ISRO launches 2 satellites for UK, earns Rs. 200 crore
New Delhi : The Indian Space Research Organisation has made a huge achievement after launching two earth observation satellites for UK. India's PSLV C42 lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India's rocket port on the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradesh. It is the 44th launch of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and the country has fetched Rs. 200 crore from the British government, for the successful launch of the satellites.
“I am extremely happy that the PSLV-C42 precisely launched two of our customer satellites at 583 km orbit. This was a unique night mission executed for the first time by us. The PSLV has proven yet again as a user-friendly vehicle in all aspects,” said K Sivan, chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team on the fully commercial launch. “Congratulations to our space scientists! ISRO successfully launched PSLV C42, putting two UK satellites in orbit, demonstrating India’s prowess in the competitive space business.@isro,” he tweeted.
The earth observation satellites were injected at a distance of just 1 km and 3 km from the satellite’s furthest and closest points to the earth and at the exact inclination.
“The satellites were injected at a very precise orbit with only a 1 km and 3 km difference, whereas missions usually allow for a difference of 20 kms. This shows the prowess of the PSLV which has had 42 successful flights,” said R Hutton, the mission director.
Meanwhile, ISRO is gearing up for a launch every two weeks, with 18 more launches planned before March. The next PSLV C43, which will carry aboard Indian satellites as well as 31 other customer satellites. The launch of the communication satellite GSAT 11, which ISRO had recalled from French Guiana earlier this year, is likely to happen on December 4 and the much awaited Chandrayaan- 2 mission on January 3, said Sivan.
