Countdown begins for PSLV-C34, ISRO set to scale new heights with 20 satellites in single mission

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has set the ball rolling for the launch of record 20 satellites in a single mission on board nation’s workhorse PSLV-C34. The 48-hour countdown for Wednesday’s launch has begun at 9.36 am today.
Sriharikota Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO 's PSLV C 29 carrying six satellites of Singapore lifts off from Satish Dhawan Space Center | PTI
Sriharikota Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO 's PSLV C 29 carrying six satellites of Singapore lifts off from Satish Dhawan Space Center | PTI

CHENNAI: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has set the ball rolling for the launch of record 20 satellites in a single mission on board nation’s workhorse PSLV-C34. The 48-hour countdown for Wednesday’s launch has begun at 9.26 am today.

The mission would carry Indian earth observatory satellite Cartosat-2, an advanced remote sensing satellite capable of providing scene-specific spot imagery that can be used for detailed mapping and other cartographic applications at cadastral level, urban and rural infrastructure development and management, as well as applications in Land Information System (LIS) and Geographical Information System (GIS).

Also on board will the 19 other co-passenger micro and nano satellites, including LAPAN A3 of Indonesia, BIROS of Germany, SKYSAT GEN 2-1 of US, MVV of Germany and a nano satellite of Chennai-based Sathyabama Univeristy among others, ISRO sources said.

The total payload weight would be around 1,288 kg at lift off into a 505 km polar sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO). ISRO holds 100 per cent success rate in launching the foreign satellites. Already, the national space agency has put in orbit close to 60 satellites of foreign origin using PSLV.  

Though PSLV was designed to launch Indian remote sensing satellites into polar sun synchronous orbit, the vehicle has repeatedly proved its reliability and versatility by successfully launching satellites into a variety of orbits including polar Sun Synchronous, Geosynchronous Transfer and Low Earth orbits of small inclination, thereby repeatedly proving the robustness of its design.

The outlook for commercial launches is promising for ISRO/Antrix with many other proposals from international customers under active discussion and consideration. 

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