India successfully launched a microwave Radar Imaging Satellite, Risat-1, into orbit from the spaceport at Sriharikota in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh onThursday.

The satellite will be able to provide India with high resolution pictures and microwave imaging that can be used for disaster prediction, agriculture forestry and defense. Rival Asian superpower has deemed it a spy satellite.

Risat-1 was delivered into space by a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle rocket, specifically the PSLV-C19. The rocket carried the 1,858 kg Risat-1 into its orbit, lifting off at 5:47 a.m. from the launch pad No 1 at Sriharikota.

Risat-1 is the heaviest satellite PSLV has launched into an orbit since 1993. The satellite was delivered into the orbit at an altitude of 480 km (300 miles), 17 minutes after takeoff.

Risat-1 will be operational for 5 years.

India has the largest group of remote sensing satellites with 11 satellites orbiting in space. This is the 54th satellite that PSLV has launched, 53 of which were successfully delivered into orbit.

Click the slideshow to see pictures of the PSLV-C19 launch:

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The PSLV-C19's second stage engine is inspected before launch. ISRO
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Sections of the PSLV-c19 rocket are brought to the launch site for assembly. ISRO
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The PSLV-C19 rocket is assembled on the launch platform. ISRO
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The PSLV-C19 rocket's lower and mid- sections have been assembled. ISRO
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The PSLV-C19 rocket's lower and mid- sections have been assembled. ISRO
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The PSLV-C-19 rocket pictured from above. ISRO
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The PSLV-C19 rocket sits on the mobile launch platform in the assembly bay. ISRO
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The PSLV-C19 rocket is moved out on the mobile launch pad. ISRO
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The PSLV-C19 rocket is ready to launch. ISRO
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The PSLV-C19 rocket successfully lifts off. ISRO
Risat-1
The PSLV-C19 rocket successfully lifts off. ISRO
Risat-1
The PSLV-C19 rocket successfully lifts off. ISRO
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