India's eye in the skies to get better with successful launch of ISRO PSLV-C38

India's 'eye in the sky' is set to become sharper and wider after ISRO successfully launched the Cartosat-2 series satellite --a dedicated satellite for the defence forces-- along with 30 co-passenger satellites from Sriharikota today.

India's 'eye in the sky' is set to become sharper and wider after ISRO successfully launched the Cartosat-2 series satellite --a dedicated satellite for the defence forces-- along with 30 co-passenger satellites from Sriharikota today. A panaromic view of 

The total mass of all the satellites carried on-board the PSLV is about 955 kg. The fully integrated PSLV-C38 with all the 31 spacecrafts at First Launch Pad. (Photo courtesy: isro.gov.in)

This is the 40th flight of PSLV and 17th flight of PSLV in 'XL' configuration. The PSLV-C38 heat shield closed with all 31 satellites. (Photo courtesy: isro.gov.in)

The Cartosat series satellite had helped New Delhi carry out surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the Line of Control last year, according to sources. The Cartosat-2 in the Clean Room at Launch Centre. (Photo courtesy: isro.gov.in)

The co-passenger satellites comprise 29 Nano satellites from 14 countries, including France, Germany, Japan, the UK and the USA, besides a Nano satellite from India. Hoisting of PSLV-C38 second stage during vehicle integration. (Photo courtesy: isro.gov.in)

The fully integrated core stage along with strap-ons of PSLV-C38 before the launch. (Photo courtesy: isro.gov.in)

The 28-hour countdown for the launch that began at 5.29 a.m. yesterday, finally came to an end today at its launch at 9.29 a.m. from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota on Friday. (EPS | Ashwin Prasath )