ISRO launches PSLV-C49, places 10 satellites in orbit

Hyderabad: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on 7 November, successfully launched the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C49) carrying earth observation satellite EOS-01 along with nine commercial satellites from the first launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota.

PSLV-C49 lifted-off at 3.11 p.m after a delay of nine minutes because of inclement weather conditions. After 15.20 minutes, EOS-01 was successfully injected into its orbit. Subsequently, nine commercial satellites were injected into their intended orbits. After separation, the two solar arrays of EOS-01 were deployed automatically and the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network at Bengaluru assumed control of the satellite. In the coming days, the satellite will be brought to its final operational configuration.

ISRO chairman Dr. K. Sivan said, "PSLV-C49 successfully placed EOS-01 and nine customer satellites precisely into their orbit." He congratulated both the launch vehicle and satellite teams for rising to the occasion amidst the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

EOS-01 is an earth observation satellite, intended for applications in agriculture, forestry, and disaster management support. The nine customer satellites from Lithuania, Luxembourg, and USA were launched under a commercial arrangement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).