The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Thursday successfully launched workhorse rocket PSLV-C43 from Sriharikota, carrying India's earth observation satellite HysIS along with 30 co-passenger satellites from eight countries.
The rocket lifted off majestically into cloudy skies in a burst of orange flames at 9:57 am from the first launch pad at the spaceport at the end of a 28-hour countdown.
The HysIS was placed into Earth's orbit 17 minutes and 27 seconds after lift-off, according to PTI. The mission was one of the longest for ISRO.
The co-passenger satellites have been contracted for launch through ISRO's commercial arm Antrix Corporation Limited.
The PSLV's main passenger is informally called "Chhota Bheem", according to NDTV, and weighs 380 kg.
What is the HysIS?
- The primary mission of the Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS) is to study the earth's surface in three regions of the electromagnetic spectrum — the invisible, near infrared and shortwave infrared regions. It has a life of five years.
- It is the primary satellite of the PSLV-C43 mission, which is on its 45th flight.
- ISRO Chairman K Sivan was quoted as saying by NDTV, "HysIS is a very rare satellite with a super-sharp eye, and very few countries have indigenously mastered this technology."
- The satellite, according to The Times of India, can see in 55 spectral or colour bands. The satellite will be used in a number of areas, including agriculture and detection of pollution from industries and other geological environments, the report added.
- The HysIS satellite has been projected to a polar Sun synchronous orbit with an inclination of 97.957 degrees.
(With inputs from PTI)