ISRO plans to launch their Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C45 on April 1, 2019 according to the message by K Sivan. This satellite will be ISRO’s first three-orbit mission, where satellites will be launched in three different orbits. The advanced electronic intelligence satellite EMISAT is also ready to be deployed which has gone past its initial launch date of March 21.
To this delay, K Sivan responded that “This PSLV-C45 is the first three-orbit mission of ISRO and the first to use solar panel in rocket fourth stage (PS4). Aim is to ensure system readiness for a perfect launch, so the delay. Now the launch is set for April 1.”
Another plan towards the end of April is the launch of second moon mission Chandrayaan-2 on board GSLV-MK III rocket. “So far, PSLV launch satellites in two different orbits. This PSLV will be a special launch as it will launch satellites in three different orbits. After the launch of electronic intelligence satellite EMISAT into orbit at 780 km, it will inject 28 guest satellites into orbit at 504 km. Then rocket fourth stage (PS4) instead of burning out, will automatically reorient itself to establish an orbital platform at 485 km orbit to carry out scientific experiments,” said S Somanath, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
It will also have a small satellite to carry out experiments on microgravity and will remain in the orbit for six months. The satellite will be developed by the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST).
After this, ISRO also plans to launch earth observation satellite Cartosat-3 through PSLV-C46 and a Radar Imaging Satellite, RISAT 2BR 1 for reconnaissance and strategic surveillance through PSLV-C47.
