PSLV 50th launch places India's Radar Imaging Satellite, US, Israel satellites in space

CHENNAI: India's space agency ISRO has successfully placed in orbit its latest RADAR imaging satellite and nine commercial satellites from other nations including the US and Israel in a PSLV launch on Wednesday.

The launch was the fiftieth from the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle stable of ISRO, crossing a significant milestone for the workhorse launch vehicle from the space agency. The 628-kg RISAT 2BR1 was placed in an orbit of 576 km. The satellite, part of the a reconnaissance series, is expected to bolster the country's border monitoring measures besides aiding in disaster management, agriculture and tracking forest cover.

A visibly elated ISRO Chief K Sivan thanked his team of scientists on the successful launch and laid out the path for more launches in the future.


According to an earlier release from ISRO, the international passengers are part of commercial agreements with NewSpace India Ltd. The launch on Wednesday marks the second successful placement of foreign satellites in orbit by the Indian space agency. A few weeks ago, ISRO launched its latest satellite of cartographic applications with advanced spatial resolution, marking the first-ever launch of foreign satellites under NewSpace India agreements.

The PSLV C-48 launched on Wednesday was in the QL configuration, meaning four strap-on motors. It was the 75th launch mission from the Sriharikota launch pad.
According to an earlier release from American rideshare coordinator, the PSLV C-48 was booked to carry Japan’s iQPS microsatellite, and American corporation Spire Global’s 4-unit fleet to strengthen its focus on maritime, aviation and weather data tracking.

ISRO’s next launch, the PSLV c49, also scheduled for the month, will take RF monitoring satellites of Luxembourg’s Kleos and more from Spire Global.