The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its 42nd Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the First Launch Pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The PSLV-C40 is to place 31 satellites, originating from seven countries, across two orbits.
Its primary payload was the fourth satellite in the advanced remote sensing Cartosat-2 series. The satellite’s design life is five years. ISRO successfully sent up a rocket carrying India’s 100th satellite along with 30 others.
Important Facts About the Launched Satellite-
- The 30 other satellites include two other satellites from India and 28 satellites from six countries –Canada, Finland, France, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.
- This was done through what scientists call the “multiple burn technology” under which the rocket’s engine is switched off and then switched on to control its height.
- The 710-kg earth observation satellite the PSLV is carrying the third in the Cartosat 2 series. The last satellite of the series had been launched successfully in June 2016.
- ISRO’s workhorse PSLV rocket weighs nearly 320 tonnes and stands up to 44.4 meters, equivalent to a 15-storey building.
Static/Current Takeaways Important for IBPS Clerk Mains 2017 Exam-
- Rocket scientist Sivan K was recently appointed as the 9th chairman of ISRO.
- ISRO was established in 1969.
- Founder and 1st Chairman of ISRO- Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai, Headquarters in- Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Source- The Hindu
