PSLV-C40/Cartosat-2 Series Satellite Mission

ISRO 100th Satellite Launch

Question: On January 12th, 2018, from which of the following launch vehicle the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully launched 31 satellites, including its 100th satellite CARTOSAT-2?
(a) PSLV-C41
(b) PSLV-C40
(c) PSLV-C39
(d) PSLV-C35
Answer: (b) 
Related Facts:

  • On January 12, 2018, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched 31 satellites, including its 100th satellite CARTOSAT-2 from Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C40.
  • Mission was launched at 09:29 Hrs (IST) from Satish Dhawan Space Center Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh).
  • PSLV 740 kg through C-40 a satellite of the weighted cartosat-2 series and successfully launched 26 Nano and 4 micro satellites.
  • The total weight of all 31 satellites is 1323 kg.
  • Of the 31 satellites, three are Indian and 28 (3 micro satellites and 25 nano satellites) are from six countries: Canada, Finland, France, South Korea, UK and the USA.
  • This is the second opportunity when ISRO successfully launched 31 satellites simultaneously.
  • Earlier, ISRO had successfully launched 31 satellites from PSLV-C 38on June 23rd, 2017.
  • Cartosat Satellite is also known as ‘Eye in the Sky’ because it is designed to take pictures from space.
  • It was the 40th successful mission, of PSLV while it was its 42nd flight.

Reference:     
https://www.isro.gov.in/launcher/pslv-c40-cartosat-2-series-satellite-mission
https://aajtak.intoday.in/story/isro-launch-pakistan-china-pslv-help-on-border-1-977201.html
http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/isro-satellite-launch-live-updates-pslv-c40-sriharikota-space-centre-rocket-cartosat-2-5021318/