Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch record 20 satellites in a single mission on board nation’s workhorse PSLV-C34. The 48-hour countdown for Wednesday’s launch has begun at 9.26 am on Monday.
The mission would carry Indian earth observatory satellite Cartosat-2, an advanced remote sensing satellite capable of providing scene-specific spot imagery that can be used for detailed mapping and other cartographic applications.
Also there are 19 other co-passenger micro and nano satellites, including LAPAN A3 of Indonesia, BIROS of Germany and a nano satellite of Chennai-based Sathyabama University among others, ISRO sources said.
The total payload weight would be around 1,288 kg at lift off into a 505 km polar sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO). ISRO holds 100 per cent success rate in launching the foreign satellites. Already, the national space agency has put in orbit close to 60 satellites of foreign origin using PSLV, informed sources at ISRO. (INN)