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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Now, Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ) has scheduled the launch of the Cartosat-2E satellite on board its proven workhorse `Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle’ - PSLV-C 38 for June 23 . Preparations are on full swing as the vehicle is assembled and integrated with the satellite.

“Called the `Eye in the sky’, Cartosat-2E satellite is an advanced remote sensing satellite or earth observation satellite having surveillance capabilities with its Multi-Spectral optical imager and panchromatic camera. It will be launched on board PSLV-C38 on June 23,” ISRO chairman AS Kiran Kumar told TOI. It is similar to the Cartosat-2 series satellites launched in June last year and Feb this year, he said,

It may be reminded that the two previous Cartosat-2 series launched include Cartosat-2C on board PSLV C-34 on June 22 last year and Cartosat-2D on board PSLV-C37 on Feb 15 this year that deployed a record 104 satellites in sun-synchronous orbit.

On the reason for similar satellite launches, he said, “Actually, Cartosat satellite imagery offers small coverage with high-resolution scene specific spot imagery. So more such satellites are required”. With this satellite, the payload will have more satellites from other countries, he said.

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) director K Sivan also confirmed that the PSLV-C38 is set for launch on June 23 to place the Cartosat-2E satellite in sun-synchronous orbit and arrangements are on for that.

While, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) director S Somnath said the Cartosat-2E is the third satellite of the Cartosat-2 series intended for cartography or mapping, spatial observation and information dissemination. The vehicle is fully assembled, he said.

"It is progressing well. The satellite Cartosat-2E is integrated with PSLV-C38 vehicle and the mission readiness review meet will be held on June 21 ahead of the countdown for the launch, said J Jayaprakash, vehicle director of GSLV-Mk III.

Pegged at a project cost of Rs 160 crore, the 550 kg Cartosat-2E satellite launch is aimed at collecting high resolution large-scale maps which will be used for urban planning, services, infrastructure development, traffic management and disaster management.

This PSLV launch will be after 37 successful PSLV launches from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), known before 2002 as the Sriharikota Range (SHAR). “The PSLV-C38 is scheduled for launch on June 23,” said SDSC director P Kunhikrishnan who was the former mission director of PSLV.

