FROM EIR DAILY ALERT

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Indian Space Research Organization Successfully Launches 31 Satellites in One Go

Nov. 29, 2018 (EIRNS)—The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has confirmed that all 31 satellites, including 23 from the United States, carried by its PSLV-C43 rocket, have been successfully launched. While the Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS) was placed in its orbit 17 minutes and 27 seconds after lift-off, the 30 co-passenger satellites were dropped into their designated orbits one by one within another hour, PTI reported.

HysIS, the latest Earth observation satellite developed by ISRO, has several uses. The satellite’s data will be useful in fields including agriculture, forestry, soil surveying, geology, coastal zone studies, inland water studies, environmental monitoring, and pollution detection from industries.

The 30 commercial satellites, including one micro- and 29 nano-satellites, are from eight countries. Of the total 30 satellites, whose combined weight is 261.5 kg, many will either be Earth-observing or communications satellites. One, though, is also expected to carry out scientific studies of the atmosphere.

This was the 45th launch of PSLV series rockets, which are also being considered for launching the manned missions into space that ISRO plans to achieve within the next few years, reported Indian Express today.