Space Ace: ISRO launches PSLV C23
Space Ace: ISRO launches PSLV C23
An exclusive commercial launch of the PSLV-C23 has been the highlight of India's space achievements of late. PM Narendra Modi witnessed the launch of 5 satellites from 4 countries from the spaceport of Sriharikota. PSLV-C23 has lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota at 9:52 am.
After around 20 minutes of launch, the PSLV separated all 5 satellites one by one in their intended orbit. Apart from its main payload of 714 kgs weighing French Earth Observation Satellite SPOT-7, PSLV-C23 will carry 14 kgs AISAT of Germany, NLS7.1 (CAN-X4) an NLS7.2 (CAN X-5) of Canada which weighs around 15 kgs and VELOX-1 of Singapore weighing around 7 kgs.
NLS7.1 and 7.2 are a creation from the Institute of Aerospace Studies/Space Flight Laboratory at the University of Toronto, Canada. Each of these payloads will fly in precise formation using differential GPS with centimetre-level accuracy for position control system.
The 230 ton PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) lifted off at 9:52 am carrying the 5 satellites from France, Canada, Germany and Singapore. The satellites launched in space include French Earth Observation Satellite SPOT-7. In fact, this 714 kg satellite was the main luggage of the rocket.
Apart from the main luggae, there were the 4 satellites. VELOX-1 from Nanyang Technology University at Singapore is a technology demonstrator for design of image sensor and MEMS based attitude determination as well as control system and inter-satellite RF link.
The 5 satellites are launched under the commercial arrangements that ANTRIX has with foreign agencies. ANTRIX is the commercial arm of ISRO. The Mission Readiness Review Committee and the Launch Authorisation Board cleared the launch of the PSLV-C23. The launch was initially fixed at 9:49 am and it was rescheduled to 9:52 am following the probability of space debris movement from the launch window.
PM Modi reached Chennai by air to visit the launch. This was his first visit to South India following his becoming the PM. The PSLV-C23 was lifted off from the space centre located 100 kms north of Chennai. Nearly 25 consecutive flights of PSLV has been made since April 2014. This is the 26th launch of the PSLV-C23. This is the tenth flight of the PSLV in core alone configuration which is the configuration without the use of solid strap-on motors.
The PM was briefed by ISRO scientists led by Chairman K. Radhakrishnan. The lauch was delayed because experts indicates there were still debris from a 2011 collision of the US and Russian satellite. The satellites could have been at risk and therefore the launch was delayed. Till PSLV-C23, the biggest number of satellites from other countries was launched from Germany. Till April 2014, apart from this, Germany has lanched 8 satellites, Canada around 5 while Japan has sent 3. The launch of the PSLV-C23 is a positive achievement for the ISRO and the nation.
