The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has began the 62-and-a-half hour countdown on July 8′ 2015 for the launch of three earth observation satellites and two technology demonstrator satellites for the UK. This will be the space agency’s biggest commercial mission in 2015. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle C28 (PSLV C28) will launch the five satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on July 30′ 2015.
Payload Details
- Three identical DMC3 optical earth observation satellites built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)
- UK—CBNT-1 – a technology demonstrator earth observation micro satellite
- 7-kg De-orbitSail – an experimental nano satellite for demonstration of sail used for changing the orbit of satellite in a process called drag deorbiting.
The five international satellites are being launched as part of the arrangement entered into between DMC International Imaging (DMCii), a wholly owned subsidiary of SSTL, UK and Antrix Corporation Limited.
According to Isro, the final lift-off mass of 1,440 kg makes this mission the heaviest commercial launch ever undertaken by the national space agency.
GK Question
What is Antrix Corporation Limited?
- Antrix Corporation Limited is the marketing arm of ISRO for promotion and commercialization of space products, technical consultancy services and transfer of technologies developed by ISRO.
- It was incorporated as a private limited company owned by the Indian government in September 1992.
