PSLV launches EOS-01 and nine customer satellites from Sriharikota (Image Credit: SNN)
India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its 51st flight (PSLV-C49), has launched EOS-01 along with nine international customer satellites from the First Launch Pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota.
PSLV-C49 lifted-off at 1511 Hrs (IST), after a delay of nine minutes because of inclement weather conditions observed during countdown. After 15 minutes and 20 seconds, EOS-01 was successfully injected into its orbit.
Subsequently, nine commercial satellites were injected into their intended orbits. After separation, the two solar arrays of EOS-01 were deployed automatically and the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network at Bengaluru assumed control of the satellite. In the coming days, the satellite will be brought to its final operational configuration.
“PSLV-C49 successfully placed all ten satellites precisely into their orbit” Chairman, ISRO, Dr. K. Sivan declared. He congratulated both the launch vehicle and satellite teams for rising to the occasion amidst the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. Dr. K. Sivan also briefed about the upcoming missions.
EOS-01 is an earth observation satellite, intended for applications in agriculture, forestry and disaster management support.
The nine customer satellites from Lithuania (1), Luxembourg (4) and USA(4) were launched under a commercial arrangement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
PSLV-C49 is the 2nd flight of PSLV in ‘DL’ configuration (with 2 solid strap-on motors). Besides being the 51st launch of PSLV, this launch was also the 76th launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.
Related Links
PSLV-C49/EOS-01 at ISRO
Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com
Rocket Lab demos new Kick Stage for in-space maneuvers
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 02, 2020
This past week Rocket Lab demonstrated an advanced capability of its Kick Stage acting as a space tug during the company’s 15th launch, the ‘In Focus’ mission that launched satellites for Planet and Canon on October 28th UTC.
Shortly after deploying ten customer satellites to orbit, the Kick Stage’s Curie engine reignited to maneuver the stage to a new inclination. While Rocket Lab has previously demonstrated orbit-raising maneuvers, this mission was the first time Kick Stage performed an inclinat … read more
– Advertisement –