ISRO successfully launches weather satellite SCATSAT-1
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its satellite SCATSAT-1 for ocean and weather related studies from Sriharikota this morning. Carrying the 377 kg SCATSAT-1 and seven other satellites, India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C35, lifted off from ISRO's first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 9.12 AM.
- This was the first mission of PSLV in which it launched its payloads into two different orbits. The co-passenger satellites were from the US, Canada and Algeria besides from Indian Universities.
- ISRO's SCATSAT-1 can generate accurate data on wind patterns over the ocean surface. It is a continuity mission for the Oceansat-2, which has exhausted its operational life. The expected lifespan of SCATSAT-1 is expected to be five years.
- The seven other co-passengers in today’s mission included three small satellites from Algeria meant for earth observation, remote sensing and technology demonstration, a commercial high resolution imaging micro-satellite of an US agency, the nano-satellite NLS-19 of Canada to experiment on reduction of space debris and two nano-satellites of IIT, Bombay and the PES University, Bengaluru.
- ISRO Chairman Mr Kirankumar also said the next launch for ISRO is GSAT-18 from French Guyana on October 4th. The next launch within India is in November when Resourcesat-2A will blast off on board PSLV. The most expected GSLV Mark-III launch vehicle capable of lifting heavier communication satellites weighing more than 4 ton is also scheduled to be held by the end of this year, Mr Kiran Kumar informed with today's launch, the PSLV has so far put into orbit 79 foreign satellites belonging to 21 countries and there are more orders at hand, he said.On the South Asia satellite, discussions are going on with the friendly nations, though Pakistan has opted out. It is expected to be launched in six months time
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Source: Air News
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