The
Cartosat 2A is an Indian remote sensing satellite due to be launched into polar orbit on April 28, 2008. The
Cartosat 2A is the same model of satellite as the
Indian Cartosat 2 launched in January 2007. According to the Indian government, both satellites are designed for help in planning urban and rural development projects, but can also be used to gather other intelligence for military or civilian purposes.
The
Cartosat 2A will reportedly give the
Indian government the ability to monitor missile launches from either
China or
Pakistan. Originally slated to be launched last year,
Cartosat 2A will be the 13th
Indian satellite in polar orbit.