-
27 Nov 2019
ISRO launches Cartosat-3, 13 US nanosatellites into space
-
After the Chandrayaan-2 upset in September, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on Wednesday launched Cartosat-3 and 13 other US nano-satellites from the Satish Dhawan Space Center at Sriharikota.
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C47 (PSLV-C47) blasted off at 9:28 am after a 26-hour countdown, which started at 7:28 am on Tuesday.
Weighing 1,625kg, Cartosat-3 is a third-generation advanced satellite with high-resolution imaging capability.
-
Details
Cartosat-3 placed in orbit 17 minutes after lift-off
-
According to Business Standard, Cartosat-3 separated from PSLV-C47 seventeen minutes after lift-off and was placed in orbit.
The launch was originally scheduled for Monday, 9:28 am, however, it was delayed by two days.
Wednesday's launch is the 49th mission for the PSLV-C47 launch vehicle. According to the space agency, it is also the 74th launch vehicle mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota.
-
Cartosat-3
What is Cartosat-3?
-
Cartosat-3 spacecraft is an advanced satellite intended to obtain high-resolution imageries identifying 25 cm objects on the ground from orbit, over 500 km away from Earth.
The satellite will be placed into a sun-synchronous orbit with a mission life of 5 years.
It will be used for large-scale urban planning, monitoring coastal land, rural resources, and infrastructure development.
-
US nanosatellites
What are the 13 US nanosatellites?
-
Besides the Cartosat-3 satellite, the PSLV-C47 carried 12 FLOCK-4P satellites, roped in from the US through New Space India. These satellites are also intended for earth observation.
Separately, the launch vehicle carried another US nanosatellite called MESHBED, which is a communication testbed.
The 13 nanosatellites are being carried as part of an arrangement with ISRO's commercial arm New Space India Ltd (NSIL). It is ISRO's first business order.
-
Twitter Post
You can watch the ISRO launch here
-
Watch Live: Launch of Cartosat-3 and 13 USA’s Nanosatellite by PSLV-C47 https://t.co/wvdBy25uCG
— ISRO (@isro) November 27, 2019