India’s PSLV-C46 rocket successfully launched and put into orbit RISAT-2B satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota.
With a lift-off mass of 615 kg, RISAT-2B is a radar imaging earth observation satellite intended to provide services in the domains of agriculture, forestry and disaster management.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said the PSLV-C46 lifted off at 05:30 hrs (IST) on May 22, 2019 from the First Launch Pad of SDSC SHAR in Sriharikota.
“PSLV-C46 was the 72nd launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. In this mission, the ‘Core-Alone’ configuration of PSLV was flown (without the use of solid strap-on motors),” ISRO said in a statement.
Nearly 15 minutes and 30 seconds after lift-off, ISRO said, RISAT-2B was injected into an orbit of 555 km at an inclination of 37 degrees to the equator.
🇮🇳 #ISROMissions 🇮🇳#PSLVC46 successfully injects #RISAT2B into Low Earth Orbit.
Here’s the view of #RISAT2B separation captured by our onboard cameraOur updates will continue. pic.twitter.com/WUTBdNH2XJ
— ISRO (@isro) May 22, 2019
“I am extremely happy to announce that PSLV-C46 has successfully injected RISAT-2B in precise orbit,” ISRO Chairman K Sivan said after the launch.
He said the PSLV rocket had now crossed a landmark of lofting of 50 tonne since it started flying. Sivan said the PSLV satellite had put into orbit 350 satellites so far.
PSLV is a four-stage engine expendable rocket running on alternating solid and liquid fuel.
ISRO is scheduled to launch another radar imaging satellite, RISAT-2BR1, and two more defence satellites later this year with its new rocket, Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
Chandrayaan-2, or the second moon mission, is also expected in July this year.
(With agency inputs)