PSLV successfully launches RISAT-2BR1 and nine commercial satellites

PSLV successfully launches RISAT
Question: From which of the following sites PSLV launched RISAT-2BR1 and nine commercial satellites in the fiftieth flight (50th) on 11 December 2019?
(a) Chandipur
(b) Sriharikota
(c) Pokharan
(d) Bengaluru
Answer: (b)
Related facts:
  • India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its fiftieth flight (PSLV-C48), successfully launched RISAT-2BR1 along with nine commercial satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota on December 11 2019.
  • PSLV-C48 lifted-off at 15:25 Hrs (IST) and after 16 minutes and 23 seconds, was successfully injected into an orbit of 576 km.
  • Subsequently, nine commercial satellites were injected into their intended orbits. After separation, the two solar arrays of RISAT-2BR1 were deployed automatically and the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network at Bengaluru assumed control of the satellite.
  • A book titled ‘PSLV@ 50’ was released by Dr. Sivan on this occasion. He further added that this versatile launcher has lifted off 52.7 tonne into space, of which 17% belongs to customer satellites.
  • RISAT-2BR1 is 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.
  • The nine customer satellites of Israel, Italy, Japan and USA were precisely injected into their designated orbits. These satellites were launched under a commercial arrangement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
  • PSLV-C48 is the 2nd flight of PSLV in ‘QL’ configuration (with 4 solid strap-on motors).
  • Besides being the 50th launch of PSLV, today’s launch was also the 75thlaunch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.

Links:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1595929