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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Saluting ISRO scientists for the successful launch of PSLV C16






ISRO has today successfully launched PSLV C 16. They have also placed three satellites, including Resourcesat-2 in the orbit. This is the 18th launch of PSLV with 16 uninterrupted success.

Those who had watched live the launch of PSLV today morning, would not have missed the tense and delightful 18 minutes, till the launch was declared successful, after placing the three satellites in the respective orbits. I could see the tension on the face of the scientists. I saw few of them praying with folded hands. It may be recalled that in 2010, ISRO's launch of GSLV satellite was not successful and the satellite went into bay of Bengal. Probably, the entire Nation joined them with prayers for the success.

In this Mission, they have also sent three high resolution cameras for taking pictures. First set of pictures will be received by the control authorities from the satellite from 28th April.

Today's event is a historical event in Indian Space Mission. India has positioned herself as the leader in 'Remote Sensing'. India will be supplying important data to various countries in future.

It was quite heartening to see Dr Radhakrishnan, Chairman of ISRO introducing all his team leaders and asking them to speak for few minutes to the Nation through live telecast. That proved the good leadership and team spirit of ISRO.

Dr Radhakrishnan assured the Nation today that they will be launching PSLV C-17 and C-18 shortly.

ISRO scientists have made India and all the citizens proud. Let us pray for their future success too. It is a much bigger a victory for India than the Word Cup. At least in future, let us hope such scientific achievements and global positioning of India will receive deserved media attention.

The PSLV-C16 rocket launched by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from Sriharikota on Wednesday successfully injected India’s latest remote sensing spacecraft Resourcesat-2 and two smaller satellites into the Earth’s orbit.

Within minutes of its launch at around 10.30 am, the PSLV-C16 on its 18th mission put India’s latest remote sensing spacecraft along with two other satellites into the orbit.

The launch drew more attention because it happened after two failed starts last year.

ISRO chairman Dr K Radhakrishnan said the launch was successful and congratulated the scientists for the achievement.

The 1,206 kg Resoursesat-2 is an advanced remote sensing satellite and is fitted with three high resolution cameras. It will facilitate the study and management of natural resources.

With a five-year space life, Resourcesat-2 will replace Resourcesat-1 that was launched in 2003. It is also carrying an additional payload from Canadian COMDEV.

The second satellite, the YOUTHSAT will be used for stellar and atmospheric studies. The satellite with a two-year life is carrying two Indian and one Russian payload.

PSLV-C16 also launched Singapore’s X-SAT, a mini satellite that will be used for satellite-based remote sensing and onboard image processing.