Isro successfully launches RISAT-2BR1 and 9 commercial satellites
11 Dec 2019
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Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) today successfully launched its radar imaging earth satellite, RISAT-2BR1, along with nine commercial satellites from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota.
Isro’s workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its fiftieth flight (PSLV-C48), successfully launched RISAT-2BR1, along with nine commercial satellites of Israel, Italy, Japan and USA.
PSLV-C48 lifted-off at 1525 Hrs (IST) today (11 December 2019) from the first launch pad of SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. PSLV-C48 was the 75th launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. This is the second flight of PSLV in 'QL' configuration (with 4 solid strap-on motors).
About 16 minutes and 23 seconds after lift-off, RISAT-2BR1 was injected into an orbit of 576 km at an inclination of 37 degree to the equator, Isro stated in a release.
RISAT-2BR1 is a radar imaging earth observation satellite weighing about 628 kg. The satellite will provide services in the field of agriculture, forestry and disaster management. The mission life of RISAT-2BR1 is 5 years.
Nine commercial satellites were also successfully injected into the designated orbit. These satellites were launched under commercial arrangement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of Isro.
“Today we achieved an important milestone in the history of PSLV by successfully launching its 50th mission” Chairman, ISRO, K Sivan declared. Sivan also released a book titled ‘PSLV@ 50’ on this occasion. He further added that this versatile launcher has lifted off 52.7 tonne into space, of which 17 per cent belongs to customer satellites.
Sivan appreciated the efforts of the launch vehicle and satellite teams for realising this mission in a short span of time.
