ISRO successfully launches PSLV-C53
The recently modified Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has put three foreign satellites into orbit.
PSLV successfully launched three satellites from Singapore as part of its 55th mission (PSLV& C53). This is also the second commercial mission of New Space India Limited (NSIL).
NSIL is the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Its primary responsibility is to enable Indian industries to undertake high technology activities related to space.
Apart from placing the satellites in orbit, ISRO has also successfully launched the ‘PSLV Orbital Experimental Module’ (POEM). It is a platform which enables scientific experiments in orbit using the final (fourth) stage of PSLV.
PSLV is a four stage launch vehicle. Its first and third stages are of solid propellant while the second and fourth stages are of liquid propellant. The first three used stages fall back into the ocean, while the last stage becomes space debris.
The fourth stage can be used in missions that have a lighter weight. This can help meet the growing demand from startups and the student and scientific communities.
POEM has a dedicated navigation guidance and control system. This system will act as its brain to stabilize it with the prescribed accuracy. POEM will be powered by solar panels and Li-ion batteries.
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
- It is India’s third generation launch vehicle. It is India’s first launch vehicle with a liquid stage.
- It can carry a payload of up to 1,750 kg in sun-synchronous polar orbits at an altitude of 600 km.
- PSLV is also used to launch individual satellites into geosynchronous and geostationary orbits.
Source – The Hindu