A 1,780-KG satellite called Risat (Remote Imaging Satellite) built by the Indian Space Research Organisation with inputs from Israel and set to be launched from Sriharikota on April 20 will, for the first time, provide 24-hour, all-weather remote-sensing capabilities to Indian agencies and, among other things, make it a potential eye in the sky that can keep a close watch on our borders.

Though ISRO has officially labelled the satellite a tool for “disaster management”, the capabilities of the satellite are believed to enable it to function as a classic spy satellite, conducting surveillance activities for defence and security agencies especially along the border regions.

ISRO sources said the launch of the satellite on its workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle has been a quiet affair on account of security issues and the election code of conduct being in place. A 50-kg micro-satellite built by Anna University called Anusat will piggyback on the Risat.

According to ISRO spokesperson S Satish, the Risat is an Indian satellite with some technological inputs from Israel. The crucial technology on board the satellite is the microwave payloads that enable pictures to be taken day and night and even in extremely cloudy weather.

“This will be a major breakthrough as far as our remote-sensing projects are concerned. So far, all our previous remote-sensing satellites were optical remote-sensing satellites whereas the Risat will carry microwave payloads. It can penetrate clouds and take photographs during the night,” the ISRO official said.

India is currently dependent on foreign satellites to provide 24/7, all-weather remote-sensing images. ISRO’s interest in building the Risat came after the launch of the Israeli spy satellite Tecsar by the Indian space agency last year.