Rukmini keeps eye on dancing dragon at sea
Source : Economic Times
GS III : Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology
What is discussed under Rukmini keeps eye on dancing dragon at sea?
- Satellite Rukmini
Why in News ?
Indian Navy is keeping an eye on the dragon with the help of its eye in the sky, Gsat-7, the Navy’s own dedicated military satellite that was launched on September 29, 2013. With China increasing its naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region amid the ongoing Sikkim stand-off.
Satellite Rukmini
- The satellite helped the Navy monitor the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as it has a nearly 2,000 nautical mile footprint.
- The multi-band communication-cum surveillance satellite, which is operating from the geo-stationary orbit (at 36,000km altitude).
- It provides real-time inputs to naval warships, submarines and maritime aircraft and networking capabilities to its naval assets on the high seas.
- With the help of the shore-based operational centres, Rukmini has not only helped the Navy keep an eye on both Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal but also helped the force increase its communication and surveillance capabilities from Persian Gulf to Malacca Strait, which together is equivalent to almost 70% of the IOR.
- The satellite, which has a payload power of 2000W, has a mission life of nine years.
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