Sriharikota: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scripted yet another inspiring story with the successful launch of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C42) carrying two satellites -- NovaSAR and S1-4 -- from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) here.
The PSLV-C42 lifted off from the first launch pad at 10.08 pm. Both the satellites were injected into the Sun Synchronous Orbit, about 17 minutes later, at an altitude of 583 km.
The satellites belong to UK-based Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), which has a contract with the Antrix Corporation Ltd, the commercial arm of ISRO.
As reported by Onmanorama earlier, NovaSAR carries S-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and an automatic identification receiver payloads. Among the applications are: forestry mapping, land use and ice cover monitoring, flood and disaster monitoring and maritime missions.
S1-4 is a high-resolution earth observation satellite meant for surveying resources, environment monitoring, urban management and disaster monitoring.
This was the 44th flight of PSLV and the 12th flight of the core-alone version of the vehicle. Core alone is its lightest version without the six strap-on motors. It is used for launching smaller payloads.
The PSLV launch vehicle consists of four stages, each of which is a self-contained vehicle capable of functioning independently with own propulsion systems.
ISRO says the preparations for the launch began at Sriharikota two months’ backs with vehicle integration work. The vehicle was designed and developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, while the second and fourth stage liquid engines were from Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, and ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri (TN).
The guidance system was from ISRO’s Inertial Systems Unit, Thiruvananthapuram, while SDSC SHAR was responsible for solid motor preparation. ISRO’s Telemetry Tracking and Command Network provided tracking support.
ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan congratulated the team soon after the successful mission.
“This was unique night mission executed for the first time by us. The PSLV has proven yet again as a user-friendly vehicle in all aspects. The credit goes to the entire ISRO team and industries. This success will give added energy for industries to make PSLV by themselves. We are going to have 18 missions in the next six months,” Dr Sivan said.
In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendsra Modi said: “Congratulations to our space scientists! ISRO successfully launched PSLV C42, putting two UK satellites in orbit, demonstrating India's prowess in the competitive space business.”
It was interesting to see Dr V R Lalithambika of Gaganyaan mission doing the English commentary duties for national channel, Doordarshan.
Earlier on Sunday, Dr Sivan inaugurated the S-Band Polarimetry Doppler Weather Radar facility at SDSC.
The radar has been indigenously developed by Bharat Electronics Limited, Bengaluru under Technology Transfer from ISRO.
This is the seventh radar manufactured in the country under the Make in India mandate. Doppler weather radar is used for observation of the weather system up to a range of 500 km and helps in early warning of severe weather events.
