Cartosat-2A is an Earth observation satellite in a sun-synchronous orbit and the third of the Cartosat series of satellites. The satellite is the thirteenth satellite in the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite series to be built, launched and maintained by the Indian Space Research Organisation. It was launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle - C9 on April 28, 2008 along with the 87 kg Indian Mini Satellite (IMS-1) and eight nano research satellites belonging to research facilities in Canada, Denmark, Germany, Japan and the Netherlands. This satellite is a Ministry of Defence mission for the Government of India. It is a dedicated satellite for the Indian Armed Forces which is in the process of establishing an Aerospace Command.