In a significant boost to India's space capabilities and commercial launch business, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in the C62 configuration. The rocket lifted off flawlessly from the First Launch Pad (FLP) of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at the scheduled time of 3:12 PM IST on November 7, 2020.
Mission Profile and Primary Payload
The primary passenger for this mission was EOS-01, an earth observation satellite designed for applications in agriculture, forestry, and disaster management support. This satellite is part of India's series of advanced earth observation spacecraft intended to provide crucial data for various sectors. Following the injection of EOS-01 into its intended orbit, the mission entered its next critical phase.
The fourth stage of the PSLV-C62, now acting as an orbital platform, then began the process of deploying the secondary payloads. In a carefully orchestrated sequence, 14 commercial satellites were released into their designated orbits. These satellites belonged to international customers, showcasing ISRO's reliability in the global commercial launch market.
International Collaboration and Commercial Success
The successful deployment of the 14 foreign satellites underscores India's growing role as a key player in the global space industry. This mission highlights the trust that international entities place in ISRO's proven PSLV platform for cost-effective and reliable access to space. Each satellite was precisely injected into their planned orbits, meeting the specific requirements of the customers.
The launch was conducted under strict COVID-19 safety protocols, with a limited team present at the mission control centre. Despite the pandemic-related challenges, ISRO's scientists and engineers executed the mission with their characteristic precision, marking a resilient return to launch activities.
Significance and Future Implications
This mission served multiple strategic purposes. Firstly, it added a vital asset to India's remote sensing constellation with EOS-01. Secondly, it reinforced ISRO's position in the competitive commercial satellite launch sector. The revenue generated from such commercial launches fuels further research and development within the organisation.
The PSLV-C62 mission is a testament to the robustness and versatility of the PSLV, often hailed as the 'workhorse' of ISRO. With this launch, the PSLV's track record of success has been further solidified, building confidence for future missions. It also sets a positive tone for ISRO's upcoming ambitious projects, including human spaceflight and interplanetary exploration.
Looking ahead, the data from EOS-01 will empower Indian farmers, forest officials, and disaster response teams with timely information. Meanwhile, the flawless commercial launch paves the way for more such partnerships, making space more accessible and driving technological innovation. The skies over Sriharikota once again witnessed a moment of national pride and scientific achievement.
