ISRO successfully launches CARTOSAT-3, 13 other nano-satellites from Sriharikota

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched CARTOSAT-3, its earth imaging and mapping satellite along with 13 other nano-satellites from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota.

CARTOSAT-3 satellite is the ninth in the series and the space agency had planned for its launch from the second launch pad at spaceport of Sriharikota, about 120 kms at 09.28am.

"I am happy that PSLV-C47 injected precisely in the orbit with 13 other satellites. Cartosat-3 is highest resolution civilian satellite. We have 13 missions up to March, 6 large vehicle missions and 7 satellite missions," ISRO chief Dr K Sivan said.

CARTOSAT-3 is a third generation agile advanced satellite having high resolution imaging capability. PSLV-C47 on its 49th mission will carry CARTOSAT-3 along with 13 commercial nano satellites from the United States.

With an overall mass of 1,625 kgs, CARTOSAT-3 would address the increased user's demands for the large scale urban planning, rural resource and infrastructure development, coastal land use and land cover. PSLV-C47 is the 21st flight of PSLV in the 'XL' configuration (with six solid strap-on motors), ISRO said.

The 13 commercial nano satellites from the United States are being carried as part of the commercial arrangement with NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), Department of Space. Among the 13 nano-satellites are FLOCK-4P, 12 in numbers, with the mission objective of earth observation, and one satellite named MESHBED, whose mission objective is communication test bed.

The space agency was congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the successful launch of Cartosat-3.

"I heartily congratulate the entire ISRO team on yet another successful launch of PSLV-C47 carrying indigenous Cartosat-3 satellite and over a dozen nano satellites of USA," he tweeted.

ISRO took to Twitter on Tuesday to announce the 16-hour countdown to the launch of the satellites. "PSLV-C47 standing tall at the launch pad in Sriharikota. Less than 16 hours for launch. Stay tuned ..." it wrote.

The space agency had kept the nation updated on the preparations for the launch of the CARTOSAT-3 and other satellites.

"26 hours countdown for the launch of PSLV-C47 mission commenced today at 0728hrs from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. Launch is scheduled at 0928 hrs IST on November 27, 2019," it said in its update on Tuesday.

ISRO said Wednesday's launch would be the 74th launch vehicle mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The mission life of CARTOSAT-3 would be for five years.