PSLV-C38 launch in pics: ISRO successfully puts Cartosat-2 Series, 30 other satellites into orbit

New Delhi, June 23: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday successfully launched its workhorse rocket PSLV carrying ‘eye in the sky’ Cartosat-2 series satellite — a dedicated

Updated: June 23, 2017 12:40 PM IST

By India.com News Desk

PSLV-C38 launch in pics: ISRO successfully puts Cartosat-2 Series, 30 other satellites into orbit
PSLV-C38 / Cartosat-2 (PIB, Twitter)

New Delhi, June 23: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday successfully launched its workhorse rocket PSLV carrying ‘eye in the sky’ Cartosat-2 series satellite — a dedicated satellite that will give defence surveillance a leg up — and 30 nano satellites into orbit.

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its 40th flight (PSLV-C38), lifted off majestically from the first launch pad, Satish Dhawan Space Centre here at 9.29 am and injected the satellites into orbit about 27 minutes after lift off, amid applause from scientists.

ISRO-launches-Cartosat-2

The 44.4 metre tall PSLV-C38 carried the earth observation satellite — Cartosat-2 series satellite as the primary payload along with 30 co-passenger satellites totally weighing 955 kg.

The previous satellite in the series had a resolution of 0.8 metres and the images it took on India’s neighbourhood had helped New Delhi carry out surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the Line of Control last year, according to ISRO sources.

ISRO-launches-Cartosat-2-2

PSLV-C38 is the 17th flight of PSLV XL configuration (with the use of solid strap-on motors).

The co-passenger satellites includes a nano satellite designed and developed by the Noorul Islam University in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. The NIUSAT satellite would provide multi-spectral imagery for agricultural crop monitoring and disaster management support applications.

ISRO-launches-Cartosat-2-3

The other 29 nano satellites are from 14 countries– – Austria, Belgium, Chile, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

As the satellites were injected into orbit one by one, the scientists broke into cheers at the Mission Control Centre.

Lauding the scientists, ISRO chairman A S Kiran Kumar said the mission was successful. “I congratulate the hardwork of the entire team, especially the Cartosat team. This particular mission has been successful, it has put all the satellites into the orbit,” he said.

ISRO-launches-Cartosat-2-4

The ISRO had on June 5 launched its most powerful and heaviest geostationary rocket carrying advanced communication satellite GSAT-19, weighing 3,136 kg, from the spaceport here. Every stage of the three-stage GSLV MkIII with indigenous cryogenic engine had performed well.

Cartosat-2 is a remote sensing satellite and it is similar in configuration to earlier satellites in the series with the objective of providing high-resolution scene specific spot imagery.

Earlier on February 15, ISRO scripted history when the PSLV-37 mission launched 104 satellites into orbit, including a Cartosat-2 series earth observation satellite.

(With inputs from PTI)

Also Read:

For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest India News on India.com.

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts Cookies Policy.