India Launches SCATSAT-1 Carrying 8 Satellites

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday Successfully launched PSLV’s SCATSAT-1 and seven other satellites from Sriharikota launch pad in Andhra Pradesh.

The rocket’s main cargo is the 371 kg SCATSAT-1 for ocean and weather related studies. It was placed into a 730 km polar sun synchronous orbit around 17 minutes into the flight, according to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Among the five foreign satellites, three are from Algeria namely Alsat-1B 103kg, Alsat-2B 117kg, Alsat-1N 7kg, and one each from Canada (NLS-19, 8kg) and the US (Pathfinder-44kg). The two other Indian satellites are: Pratham (10kg) built by Indian Institute of Technology – Bombay and Pisat (5.25 kg) from PES University, Bengaluru and its consortium.

The seven other satellites will be placed into the polar orbit from an altitude of 689 km. The rocket's engine, which is also the fourth stage, will be shut down after putting SCATSAT-1 into orbit. This launch is said to be ISRO’s longest mission spread over two hours and fifteen minutes. 

Source : QNA