Planet is excited to announce that four Dove satellites – our Flock 3p’ – are scheduled to fly on ISRO’s PSLV-C40 in early January 2018. The primary payload for this mission is a Cartosat-2 Series satellite; Planet’s four satellites will ride as secondary payloads.

This is the third time in the last 24 months that our Doves will hitch a ride from India on a PSLV rocket. In February 2017, 88 Doves (the largest satellite constellation to ever reach orbit!) traveled on ISRO’s record-breaking launch of 104 satellites.

Liftoff at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. Image: ISRO

These particular Dove satellites are unique. They are tech demos responsible for testing several of the satellite subsystems, including the camera technology, thermal control, and altitude determination & control system.

Our agile approach to aerospace means we’re always researching the latest technology and thinking about long-term market needs. We launch tech demo satellites several times a year to ensure we are using the most advanced technology. These advancements are then incorporated into future operational fleets.

Planet is excited to be back in India launching on the PSLV rocket. We will have more information on the flight of Flock 3p’ as the launch window nears. Follow us @planetlabs for updates!