ISRO’s first ever multiple satellite launch at 9.12 AM tomorrow
25 September, Sriharikotta
The countdown for the national space agency ISRO’s first ever multiple satellite launch in two different orbits in a single mission is progressing normally. The proven workhorse of ISRO, the PSLV C35 with eight satellites on board is scheduled to lift off at 9.12 am tomorrow from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikotta.
The satellites that will be carried into space include the primary payload SCATSAT-1 of India, weighing 371 kg, and seven other customer payloads together weighing 304 kg during lift off. The weather satellite SCATSAT-1 will be hurled into a polar sun synchronous orbit of 730 kilometer height.
Algeria’s three smaller payloads meant for earth observation, remote sensing and technology demonstration, an US customer’s high resolution imaging microsatellite, a Canadian nano-satellite to experiment reduction of space debris, a student-satellite of the IIT, Bombay called Pratham and another payload developed by a consortium-led by the PES University in Bengaluru known as PISAT (पैसेट) are the other seven satellites riding piggyback on the SCATSAT-1, though they will be injected into a different orbit as compared to the principal payload.
The ISRO has gained valuable expertise on restarting the engine of the polar synchronous satellite launch vehicle PSLV in space during June this year and December last. Through them, the scientists of the space agency gained the expertise to use a single launch mission to inject multiple satellites I different orbits altogether.
The SCATSAT-1 of India would serve as a continuity mission for the highly acclaimed Oceansat-2 that has completed its operational life. Its data to accurately predict the landfall of the Cyclone Phailin in Odisha coast recently helped avoid major loss of lives as precautionary measures could be taken in advance. The participation of many nations in this mission from different continents is a reflection of the indomitable human spirit to explore space for productive causes.