ISRO to launch 14 small satellites

In next 2 months, ISRO will launch 14 small foreign satellites in its next three PSLVs (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles). The projects are to be implemented by November and December.

Highlights

• The payloads are to be launched in three PSLV flights namely PSLV-C47, PSLV-C48, PSLV-C49.
• The Indian payload Cartosat-3 will be the primary payload of PSLV-C47. The Cartosat satellites are a series of Indian earth observatory satellites built and operated by ISRO. The Cartosat-3 is a remote sensing satellite.
• So far ISRO has launched 300 small satellites to low earth orbits for foreign customers.

Small Satellite

The small satellites weigh around 500 kg. These satellites reduce large economic costs of launch vehicles. They are of lower cost, more frequent, quicker and offer broader access to space. They are primarily used for communication, research, meteorology and insurance.

The small satellites are mini-satellites, micro-satellites and nano-satellites.

ISRO’s Nano-satellites

The INS-ISRO Nano Satellites have capability to carry up to 3 kg. The primary objective of the INS is to provide an opportunity to carry payloads for universities and R&D laboratories. They also provide an opportunity for ISRO technology demonstration payloads.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2019