PSLV-C47 to be launched today
The launch is scheduled for 9.28 am on Wednesday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
Chennai: The 26 hours countdown for the launch of the PSLV rocket, the first after the failed Chandrayaan-2 Mission in September, commenced on Tuesday at 7.28 am. Cartosat-3 is a third generation agile advanced satellite having a resolution of 25 cm that enables it to identify two objects separated by a distance of 25 cm.
The launch is scheduled for 9.28 am on Wednesday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. It will be placed in an orbit of 509 km (316 miles) at an inclination of 97.5 degree. ISRO had earlier deferred the launch of Cartosat-3 for two days without giving any specific reason. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K. Sivan offered prayers at the renowned hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh. Mr Sivan visited the temple which is located about 60 miles from the rocket launch site.
“26 hours countdown for the launch of PSLV-C47 mission commenced today at 0728 Hrs (IST) from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. Launch is scheduled at 0928 Hrs IST on November 27, 2019. … updates will continue…,” Isro tweeted posting a picture.
The rocket will carry the 1,625 kg Cartosat-3 satellite and 13 commercial nanosatellites from the US related to earth observation, and communication test bed.
“PSLV-C47 is the 21st flight of PSLV in ‘XL configuration (with 6 solid strap-on motors). Cartosat-3 is the ninth satellite of Cartosat series. This will be the fifth launch of 2019,” the Isro said.
During 2016, Cartosat series satellites were employed when the Indian Army carried out a cross border strike along the line of control by providing ‘Area of Interest’ based images. Cartosat-3 has a wider spatial range (approximately 16 km), multi-spectral and hyperspectral (captures light from across the electromagnetic spectrum) capabilities, which can assist in locating enemy hideouts and terror hubs, media reports said.
Speaking to reporters Mr. Sivan said this would be an important launch and claimed that Chandrayaan-2 was doing good. The mission had ended in heartbreak on September 7, failing to achieve a soft landing on the Moon. The mission, if successful, would have made India the fourth country after the US, China and Russia to achieve this feat and the first to do so in its very first attempt.