In first mission of 2018, ISRO launches 100th satellite

ET Online|

Updated: Jan 12, 2018, 09.55 AM IST

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle or PSLV-C40 lifted off successfully today from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. 

The PSLV carries 31 satellites in total from countries including India and six other countries. Among is the satellites that the PSLV is carrying is India's 100th satellite, Cartosat 2 -- a surveillance satellite. The satellites are to be launched in two orbits which makes the mission a unique one according to scientists. 

This mission will be the longest flight of the four-stage Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), at two hours, 21 minutes and 62 seconds. It will also be the first mission after the failure of the PSLV on August 31, 2017, where the heat shield malfunctioned, as a result of which the satellite failed to enter orbit. It will also mark the PSLV's 42nd flight that will lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. 

The Indian satellites are 710 kg Cartosat-2 series for earth observation, a 100 kg micro satellite and a 5 kg nano satellite. The 28 other satellites are from Canada, Finland, France, South Korea, the UK and the US. The 28 international customer satellites are being launched as part of the commercial arrangements between ISRO and its commercial arm 'Antrix Corporation Ltd'. 

This is the space agency's first mission in 2018, and its first since the unsuccessful launch of IRNSS-1H in August last year. The rocket's shield had failed to separate, due to which the satellite could not launch. The August mission was significant as it would have introduced Navigation with Indian Constellation, or NavIC, in turn providing accurate information services within Indian territory. 

K Sivan, a renowned scientist, is set to take over as the new chairman, replacing AS Kiran Kumar. Sivan, who conceptualised India's PSLV project, has worked on it since 1982. He is popularly known as the "Rocket Man" for his contribution in the development of cryogenic engines.