Indian Space Research Organisation launches record 20 satellites from Sriharikota

Setting a record in its space programme, India today successfully launched 20 satellites, including its earth observation Cartosat-2 series, in a single mission on board ISRO’s workhorse PSLV-C34 from the spaceport here. In a precision launch, PSLV-C34 took off from the second launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre here, about 110 km from Chennai at 9.26 AM and placed the Cartosat-2 Series and 19 others in the designated polar Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO) about 30 minutes later in clear skies.

ISRO launches record 20 satellites

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Setting a record in its space programme, India today successfully launched 20 satellites, including its earth observation Cartosat-2 series, in a single mission on board ISRO’s workhorse PSLV-C34 from the spaceport here. In a precision launch, PSLV-C34 took off from the second launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre here, about 110 km from Chennai at 9.26 AM and placed the Cartosat-2 Series and 19 others in the designated polar Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO) about 30 minutes later in clear skies.

PSLV

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The 727.5 kg Cartosat-2 series satellite will provide regular remote sensing services with its panchromatic and multispectral cameras and its imagery will be of multiple use.

PSLV

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Of the 19-satellites, 12 are earth imaging “Dove satellites” of USA and another American satellite. The rest are from Canada (two) and one each from Germany and Indonesia.

PSLV-C34

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Two academic satellites are from Sathyabama University (Sathyabamasat) in Chennai and from College of Engineering (Swayam) at Pune.

PSLV-C34

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO and described today’s launch as a “monumental” accomplishment. “20 satellites in a go! @ isro continues to break new barriers. hearty congratulations to our scientists on the monumental accomplishment’, he said on Twitter.

PSLV-C34

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ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar congratulated his team for the successful launch ‘in a record time’ and said “PSLV C-34 has done its job.”