ISRO successfully places multiple satellites in various orbits

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) successfully launched nine satellites including EOS-06, an earth observation satellite, and eight nano satellites onboard its workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in multiple orbits during a two-hour long mission. The eight satellites include India-Bhutan satellite INS-2B, Anand, a nano earth-observation satellite by Bengaluru-based startup Pixxel, four satellites called Astrocast for US firm Spaceflight and two Thybolt satellites for another Indian startup Dhruva Space.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his tweets, congratulated Isro and said EOS-06 will help in optimising utilisation of the country’s maritime resources. “The launch of 3 satellites from Indian companies @PixxelSpace and @DhruvaSpace heralds the beginning of a new era, where Indian talent in space technology can be fully realised,” he tweeted.

Retweeting a post by Bhutan Prime Minister on a congratulatory message by the King of Bhutan, Prime Minister Modi said, “India Bhutan satellite is a testament to our special relationship with the people of Bhutan.”

On Saturday afternoon, PSLV-C54 rocket placed 1,117kg weighing EOS-06 into a 736km sun synchronous polar orbit (SSPO) around 17 minutes after it lifted off from the first launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. EOS-06 is a third-generation satellite in the Oceansat series with enhanced payload specification meant to provide continuity services of Oceansat-2 spacecraft.

Isro chairman S Somanath called the mission ‘unique’ and said it was the first time that the rocket’s upper stage manoeuvred to change orbits using thrusters or small engines which were added to the stage. “All the eight satellites were injected at different timings to ensure that they do not collide with each other while they are in orbit,” he said.

After the satellites were injected into their orbits, the leftover propellant was emptied in a controlled process to prevent explosion.