ISRO launches CARTOSAT-3, US nano satellites into space

Sriharikota (AP), November 27

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday successfully launched its most complex and advanced earth imaging satellite CARTOSAT-3, that would among others serve military purposes.

CARTOSAT-3 is a third generation agile and advanced satellite having high resolution imaging capability and its success was described as “wonderful” by ISRO chief K Sivan.

As many as 13 nano satellites from the US piggybacked India’s workhorse launch vehicle PSLV, which injected CARTOSAT 3 and its co-satellites in a precise 509 km orbit after making a majectic liftoff from the spaceport here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded ISRO scientists for Wednesday’s success, saying “the advanced Cartosat-3 will augment our high resolution imaging capability…ISRO has once again made the nation proud!” he tweeted.

Earlier, with cloudy skies in the back ground, the 44.4 metre tall PSLV-C47 rocket lifted off majestically at 9.28 am from the second launch pad at this spaceport.

CARTOSAT-3 was placed into orbit 17 minutes and 46 seconds after lift-off, in the immediate mission after Chandrayaan 2 where the lander crashed while making a soft descent on the lunar surface on September 7.

“CARTOSAT-3 is India’s highest resolution civilian satellite, and the most complex and advanced earth obvservation satellite ISRO has built so far,” Sivan said. All the 13 nano satellites from the US were released into the orbit at 26 minutes and 56 seconds after liftoff. Soon after the mission’s success, Sivan and other scientists broke into cheers. — PTI