ISRO successfully launched eight satellites

PSLV-C35 Successfully Launches Eight Satellites into Two Different Orbits in a Single Flight

Question: Recently Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched eight satellites from one rocket into two different orbits. This was-
(a) 37th Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
(b) 35th Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
(c) 34th Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
(d) 33th Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
Ans: (a)
Related facts:

  • On 26 September 2016 Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched eight satellites from one rocket into two different orbits.
  • This was one of the longest and most complex missions undertaken by ISRO.
  • The main satellite was SCATSAT-1 that will enhance the study of ocean and weather conditions.
  • The 37th Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle or PSLV took off successfully from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
  • This Launch vehicle carried eight satellites – three from India, three from Algeria, and one each from Canada and the US.
  • The total weight of all the eight satellites carried on-board PSLV-C35 was 675 kg.
  • This launch was ISRO’s longest mission spread over two hours and fifteen minutes.
  • After a flight of 16 minutes 56 seconds, the vehicle achieved a polar Sun Synchronous Orbit of 724 km inclined at an angle of 98.1 degree to the equator (very close to the intended orbit).
    • After separation, the two solar arrays of SCATSAT-1 satellite were deployed automatically and ISRO’s Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) at Bangalore took over the control of the satellite.
  • 37 seconds later the primary satellite SCATSAT-1 was separated from the PSLV fourth stage.
  • The rocket’s main cargo was the 371 kg SCATSAT-1 for ocean and weather related studies. It is meant for weather forecasting, along with detection and tracking of cyclones.
  • The satellite will be capable of Long term imaging of the earth surface under identical illumination conditions.
  • SCATSAT-1 was accompanied by two other satellites developed by students in India.
  • Pratham, a 10-kg satellite developed by students of IIT Bombay, will study the total electron count in space.
  • The 5.25-kg PISAT made by students of Bengaluru’s PES University will take pictures of earth, with focus on India.

Reference:
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=151114
http://www.isro.gov.in/update/26-sep-2016/pslv-c35-successfully-launches-eight-satellites-two-different-orbits-single
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/in-isros-longest-mission-rocket-launched-with-8-satellites-1466389
http://ddinews.gov.in/Home%20-%20Headlines/Pages/isro12.aspx
http://scroll.in/latest/817483/isro-launches-37th-polar-satellite-launch-vehicle-from-sriharikota