Sriharikota (AP) : The PSLV successfully hoisted its heaviest ever payload into space after a spectacular night launch on Friday. This was the 30th successful mission of the rocket. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C28 was carrying five UK satellites, weighing 1,440 kg.
The 44.4-metre 320-tonne PSLV lifted off on the dot at 9.58 pm from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Shar, Sriharikota, 90 km from Nellore. In about 19 minutes and 16 seconds, the rocket placed the five satellites into the targeted slot 647 km above the earth, reaching a top speed of 7531.42 metres per second.
Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO), Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle lifts off from THE Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota (Photo: PTI)
With this launch, the Isro has placed 45 foreign satellites in space. This was the ninth flight of the PSLV using the high-end ‘XL’ configuration. This is the second successful mission for Isro chairman A.S. Kumar and the first for P. Kunhi Krishnan after he assumed charge as Shar director. Mr Kumar, looking overjoyed, announced the mission was a success.
The satellites launched include three identical 447-kg earth observation satellites, called DMC3, built by Surrey Satellite Technology Limited of UK. They were placed in a sun-synchronous orbit.
(Photo: PTI)
