PSLV-C45 launch (Picture credit: Isro Twitter)

KOCHI: After the successful launch of PSLV-C45 on Monday morning, Isro centres in Kerala are focused on the next PSLV mission in May for launch of RISAT-2BR 1, a Radar Imaging Satellite for strategic surveillance and then Chandrayaan- 2 moon mission.

"It is satisfying, that this PSLV-C45 mission successfully placed the electronic intelligence satellite EMISAT and 28 commercial satellites in orbit. Then the rocket fourth stage PS4 gets separated to serve as orbital platform for experiments with three payloads. This was a special mission with many firsts including first three orbit mission, first PS4 stage using solar panel. Now, focus is on by Isro centres for the next PSLV missions and then the GSLV-MK III mission for Chandrayaan -2," ISRO chairman K Sivan told TOI from Sriharikota.

The next window for Chandrayaan-2 mission is by April end, if not, then it will be in June, said an official at Isro.

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) director S Somanath said, "Tests are on for the PSLV-C46 mission in May for launch of RISAT 2BR 1, a Radar Imaging Satellite for reconnaissance and strategic surveillance. It will be followed by PSLV-C47 mission to launch earth observation satellite Cartosat-3 in June. The date for launch of Chandrayaan-2 is yet to be finalised".

On the successful launch of PSLV-C45, he said, it's a unique mission with new configuration, new mission plan that placed electronic intelligence satellite EMISAT in orbit at an altitude of 749 km, then the 28 satellites in orbit at a height of 504 km and a new forth stage that served as an orbital platform at 485 km height with three payloads for experiments, all successfully accomplished.

One of the payloads was from Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST). Called `Advanced retarding potential analyser for Ionosphere Studies (ARIS), this payload weighing about 3 kg is a first of its kind `space weather station' to study electrons and ions in the ionosphere, said Umesh Katane, team leader of ARIS. Further, Payloads with less weight and with lesser power consumption for space transportation are planned to be developed by IIST students, he said.

