PSLV-C34 Successfully Launches 20 Satellites in a Single Flight
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched, 20 satellites in a single mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The Satellites including India’s latest earth observation satellite Cartosat-2 were launched using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C-34. This successful launch, ISRO surpassed its previous record of placing 10 satellites into orbit in a single mission in 2008.
About PSLV-C34 & Cartosat-2
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV C-34, carrying India's latest earth observation satellite Cartosat-2 along with 19 co-passengers from countries such as US, Canada, Germany and Indonesia lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 9:26 AM, 22.06.2016. Chennai's Sathyabama University and College of Engineering, Pune also added a satellite each. The entire launch mission was 26 minutes long.
Cartosat-2 satellite is similar to the earlier Cartosat-2, 2A and 2B. It will be placed a 505 km polar Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO). The 725.5 kg-weighing Cartosat-2 series satellite would be used for Earth observation. According to ISRO, the imagery sent by the satellite will be useful for mapping, urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation and road networking.
The lift did not merely put many satellites in orbit; it also catapulted India as the undisputed market leader in launching space satellites with minimum costs. It is sure to draw more and more countries to use India's infrastructure. Till date India has launched 57 foreign satellites successfully. ISRO will launch the SAARC satellite between December 2016 and March next year. ISRO is also working towards miniaturisation of spacecraft and satellites.
LAPAN A3: It is Indonesian micro-satellite which will be used for earth’s magnetic field monitoring and surveillance purpose.
BIROS: It is German satellite to be used for remote sensing of high temperature events.
SKYSAT GEN 2-1: The micro-satellite developed by Google’s subsidiary company Terra Bella’s. It will be used for earth imaging.
12 Flock-2P Earth imaging satellites: These are earth imaging satellites from United States.
M3MSAT (Maritime Monitoring and Messaging Microsatellite): It is Canadian micro-satellite that will be used for study and collection of automatic identification system signals from low earth orbit.
GHGSat-D: It is Canadian earth observation satellite. It will be used for measuring the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) especially Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Methane (CH4).
Sathyabamasat: The satellite has been designed and built by Chennai based Sathyabama University. The satellite aims to collect data on greenhouse gases (GHGs).
Swayam: It has been designed and built by College of Engineering, Pune (COEP). It will be used to provide point to point messaging services to the HAM (amateur radio) community.