THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: India's first 'spy' satellite, RISAT-2, has returned to Earth's atmosphere after thirteen and a half years of service. ISRO has demonstrated great technological excellence by recalling and destroying satellites without polluting space.

RISAT-2 is the first satellite launched by India to monitor terrorist activity and infiltration across the border. RISAT-2 returned to the pre-determined area on October 30, over the Indian Ocean near Jakarta. Most of it burned up as it entered the atmosphere. The rest fell into the ocean.

The main sensor of RISAT-2, which was able to observe in all weather conditions day and night, was Israel Aerospace Industries' X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar. RISAT-2 was launched on 20 April 2009 by a PSLV C-12 rocket following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. It was also used to track enemy ships at sea.

At the time of launch, the satellite had 30 kg of fuel. For more than 13 years, RISAT-2 has provided valuable data to the nation's defense through meticulous maintenance and careful use of fuel by the Spacecraft Operations Team at ISRO.