ISRO's PSLV-C40 successfully places Cartosat-2 in orbit: 10 facts







Autoplay Autoplay 1 of 11 ISRO's 100th launch The space agency ISRO today achieved a major milestone with the launch of its 100th satellite Cartosat-2 along with 30 others in a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from its spaceport of Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. Here are 10 facts about the ISRO launch: In pic: Panaromic view of fully integrated PSLV-C40 with Mobile Service Tower Withdrawn. Image: www.isro.gov.in Cartosat 2: A surveillance satellite <p>The PSLV carries 30 satellites that include two satellites from India and 28 satellites from six countries -- Canada, Finland, France, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.</p><p><br></p><p>Among the satellites that the PSLV is carrying is India's 100th satellite, Cartosat 2 -- a surveillance satellite. </p><p><br></p><p><em>In pic: PSLV-C40 on First Launch Pad - Evening View.</em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p><strong>Image: www.isro.gov.in</strong></p> Unique mission <p>The satellites are to be launched in two orbits which makes the mission a unique one according to scientists.</p><p><br></p><p><em>Image: www.isro.gov.in</em></p> ​Duration <p>The whole process of placing the satellites in two orbits will take 2 hours 21 minutes -- the longest so far.</p><p><br></p><p>The 28-hour countdown for the launch of the PSLV started at 5.29 am.</p><p><br></p><p><em>In pic: One of the Strap-On of PSLV-C40 is being assembled with Core Stage.</em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p><strong>Image: www.isro.gov.in</strong></p> ​Placement <p>Cartosat-2 series was the first to be separated from the rocket and injected into the sun synchronous orbit at 505km above the earth, followed by the 10 kg nano satellite and the 100 kg micro-sat in different orbits.</p><p><br></p><p><em>In pic: Cartosat-2 Series Satellite Undergoing Solar Panel Deployment Test.</em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p><strong>Image: www.isro.gov.in</strong></p>

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle or PSLV-C40 lifted off successfully today from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.The PSLV carries 31 satellites in total from countries including India and six other countries. Among is the satellites that the PSLV is carrying is India's 100th satellite, Cartosat 2 -- a surveillance satellite . The satellites are to be launched in two orbits which makes the mission a unique one according to scientists.This mission will be the longest flight of the four-stage Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), at two hours, 21 minutes and 62 seconds. It will also be the first mission after the failure of the PSLV on August 31, 2017, where the heat shield malfunctioned, as a result of which the satellite failed to enter orbit. It will also mark the PSLV's 42nd flight that will lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.The Indian satellites are 710 kg Cartosat-2 series for earth observation, a 100 kg micro satellite and a 5 kg nano satellite. The 28 other satellites are from Canada, Finland, France, South Korea, the UK and the US. The 28 international customer satellites are being launched as part of the commercial arrangements between ISRO and its commercial arm ' Antrix Corporation Ltd '.This is the space agency’s first mission in 2018, and its first since the unsuccessful launch of IRNSS-1H in August last year. The rocket’s shield had failed to separate, due to which the satellite could not launch. The August mission was significant as it would have introduced Navigation with Indian Constellation, or NavIC, in turn providing accurate information services within Indian territory.K Sivan, a renowned scientist, is set to take over as the new chairman, replacing AS Kiran Kumar. Sivan, who conceptualised India’s PSLV project, has worked on it since 1982. He is popularly known as the “Rocket Man” for his contribution in the development of cryogenic engines.