<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-successfully-launches-earth-observation-satellite-risat-2b-220516">ISRO successfully launches earth observation satellite RISAT-2B</a>

In a pre-dawn launch on Wednesday, Indian space agency ISRO scripted history by successfully launching earth observation satellite RISAT-2B that would enhance the country's surveillance capabilities among others.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-of-painful-consequences-if-us-escalates-tensions-220517">Iran warns of 'painful consequences' if US escalates tensions</a>

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has warned the United States of "painful consequences for everybody" if there is an escalation in tensions with the Islamic republic.

Zarif also accused the US of "playing a very, very dangerous game" in an interview with CNN aired on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/at-nda-meeting-pm-modi-expresses-concern-over-needless-controversy-over-evms-by-opposition-220526">At NDA meeting, PM Modi expresses concern over 'needless controversy' over EVMs by opposition</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday expressed concern over the "needless controversy" created by the Opposition over EVMs at a meeting of NDA leaders, even as the ruling alliance laid out its agenda for the next five years if it is elected to power again.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-forecasts-global-economy-to-grow-27-in-2019-29-in-2020-220522">UN forecasts global economy to grow 2.7% in 2019, 2.9% in 2020</a>

The United Nations on Tuesday downgraded its forecast for world economic growth, announcing that it expects overall growth of 2.7 per cent this year and 2.9 per cent in 2020.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mcdonalds-faces-25-new-sexual-harassment-complaints-from-workers-220518">McDonald's faces 25 new sexual harassment complaints from workers</a>

McDonald's Corp was accused on Tuesday in 25 new lawsuits and regulatory charges of condoning sexual harassment in the workplace and retaliating against employees who speak up.

ISRO successfully launches earth observation satellite RISAT-2B In a pre-dawn launch on Wednesday, Indian space agency ISRO scripted history by successfully launching earth observation satellite RISAT-2B that would enhance the country's surveillance capabilities among others.

ISRO successfully launches earth observation satellite RISAT-2B In a pre-dawn launch on Wednesday, Indian space agency ISRO scripted history by successfully launching earth observation satellite RISAT-2B that would enhance the country's surveillance capabilities among others. Iran warns of 'painful consequences' if US escalates tensions Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has warned the United States of "painful consequences for everybody" if there is an escalation in tensions with the Islamic republic. Zarif also accused the US of "playing a very, very dangerous game" in an interview with CNN aired on Tuesday. At NDA meeting, PM Modi expresses concern over 'needless controversy' over EVMs by opposition Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday expressed concern over the "needless controversy" created by the Opposition over EVMs at a meeting of NDA leaders, even as the ruling alliance laid out its agenda for the next five years if it is elected to power again. UN forecasts global economy to grow 2.7% in 2019, 2.9% in 2020 The United Nations on Tuesday downgraded its forecast for world economic growth, announcing that it expects overall growth of 2.7 per cent this year and 2.9 per cent in 2020. McDonald's faces 25 new sexual harassment complaints from workers McDonald's Corp was accused on Tuesday in 25 new lawsuits and regulatory charges of condoning sexual harassment in the workplace and retaliating against employees who speak up.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday said the PSLV-C46, on its 48th mission, would launch RISAT, a radar imaging earth observation satellite, on May 22.

ISRO all set to launch RISAT on May 22

Chandrayaan 2, India’s Lunar Mission which will feature India’s most powerful rocket the GSLV Mk 3 to carry the orbiter, lander and rover, is the much-anticipated project of this year. But India's space agency ISRO has much more in store than the widely known Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan manned missions.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Yuvika - Young Scientist Programme for school students at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Dr KD Sivan, chairman of ISRO said, the agency is in the final stage of testing for the orbiter, lander, rover and that they would be ready for launch by the end of May.&nbsp;

However, the launch will likely be in the first or the second week of July due to an impending eclipse and other conditions, said the Dr Sivan.&nbsp;

"This is a very important mission because we are landing at a place where nobody else has gone, near the South Pole of the moon, and new sciences could emerge from this mission,"&nbsp;Dr Sivan added.

Elaborating on the 13 payloads that the Chandrayaan-2 Mission would be carrying, he said, "basically these payloads are looking at the composition of the atmosphere, the surface, mapping, sub-surface structure, lunar surface composition et cetera.”

Responding to queries regarding some of the major missions that the agency is working on, he said, they are working on seven interplanetary missions in a decade. The missions would include Mars Orbiter Mission 2, Chandrayaan 3, a mission to Venus, exposat planetary exploration and Aditya L1 among others.&nbsp;

"There is a lot of interest in planet Venus and we have announced a lot of opportunities for the scientific community in India and abroad. Around 20 payloads are coming", Dr Sivan said.&nbsp;

He also made a mention of Mission Aditya L1 that could be launched in mid-2020 to study the Corona of the Sun, adding that it would help in understanding climate change.&nbsp;

While Aditya L1 and exposat mission are defined and cleared, the Mars Orbiter 2 and Chandrayaan 3 are in their planning stages. "After planning, it will be formed as a project and we will lead it,"&nbsp;he said.

Chandrayaan 2, India’s Lunar Mission which will feature India’s most powerful rocket the GSLV Mk 3 to carry the orbiter, lander and rover, is the much-anticipated project of this year.

Chandrayaan 2, India’s Lunar Mission which will feature India’s most powerful rocket the GSLV Mk 3 to carry the orbiter, lander and rover, is the much-anticipated project of this year. But India's space agency ISRO has much more in store than the widely known Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan manned missions. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Yuvika - Young Scientist Programme for school students at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Dr KD Sivan, chairman of ISRO said, the agency is in the final stage of testing for the orbiter, lander, rover and that they would be ready for launch by the end of May. However, the launch will likely be in the first or the second week of July due to an impending eclipse and other conditions, said the Dr Sivan. "This is a very important mission because we are landing at a place where nobody else has gone, near the South Pole of the moon, and new sciences could emerge from this mission," Dr Sivan added. Elaborating on the 13 payloads that the Chandrayaan-2 Mission would be carrying, he said, "basically these payloads are looking at the composition of the atmosphere, the surface, mapping, sub-surface structure, lunar surface composition et cetera.” Responding to queries regarding some of the major missions that the agency is working on, he said, they are working on seven interplanetary missions in a decade. The missions would include Mars Orbiter Mission 2, Chandrayaan 3, a mission to Venus, exposat planetary exploration and Aditya L1 among others. "There is a lot of interest in planet Venus and we have announced a lot of opportunities for the scientific community in India and abroad. Around 20 payloads are coming", Dr Sivan said. He also made a mention of Mission Aditya L1 that could be launched in mid-2020 to study the Corona of the Sun, adding that it would help in understanding climate change. While Aditya L1 and exposat mission are defined and cleared, the Mars Orbiter 2 and Chandrayaan 3 are in their planning stages. "After planning, it will be formed as a project and we will lead it," he said.

ISRO planning 7 interplanetary missions in a decade: Chairman Dr Sivan 

Just before midnight on Thursday, the Indian Space Research Organisation will launch its 46th flight of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, to put into space Microsat-R, an imaging satellite and Kalamsat, a communication satellite developed by students, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

The launch at 11:37 pm is said to be unique as PSLV-C44 fourth stage will be re-used automatically to launch Kalamsat payload and Microsat-R satellite into space from the First Launch Pad (FLP).&nbsp;PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages.

The PSLV with two strap-on configuration has been identified for this mission and the configuration is designated as PSLV-DL.

PSLV-C44 is the first mission of PSLV-DL and is a new variant of PSLV.

PSLV-C44, the fourth stage (PS4) of the vehicle will be moved to a higher circular orbit so as to establish an orbital platform for carrying out experiments.

Kalamsat, a student payload, will be the first to use PS4 as orbital platform.&nbsp;

PSLV-C44 will also carry Microsat-R, an imaging satellite.

Earlier, ISRO Chairman K. Sivan said India's second lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2, which was scheduled to be launched in late 2018,&nbsp;is now expected to be launched between March 25 and end of April this year.

Just before midnight on Thursday, the Indian Space Research Organisation will launch its 46th flight of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, to put into space Microsat-R, an imaging satellite and Kalamsat, a communication satellite developed by students, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Just before midnight on Thursday, the Indian Space Research Organisation will launch its 46th flight of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, to put into space Microsat-R, an imaging satellite and Kalamsat, a communication satellite developed by students, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The launch at 11:37 pm is said to be unique as PSLV-C44 fourth stage will be re-used automatically to launch Kalamsat payload and Microsat-R satellite into space from the First Launch Pad (FLP). PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages. The PSLV with two strap-on configuration has been identified for this mission and the configuration is designated as PSLV-DL. PSLV-C44 is the first mission of PSLV-DL and is a new variant of PSLV. PSLV-C44, the fourth stage (PS4) of the vehicle will be moved to a higher circular orbit so as to establish an orbital platform for carrying out experiments. Kalamsat, a student payload, will be the first to use PS4 as orbital platform. PSLV-C44 will also carry Microsat-R, an imaging satellite. Earlier, ISRO Chairman K. Sivan said India's second lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2, which was scheduled to be launched in late 2018, is now expected to be launched between March 25 and end of April this year.

ISRO to launch PSLV-C44 today

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-isros-five-successful-satellite-missions-in-2018-184234">ISRO on Wednesday launched its GSAT-7A satellite</a> from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The 2,250kg communication satellite was launched onboard ISRO's GSLV-F11 rocket.&nbsp;

The launch took place at 4.10 pm after a 26-hour countdown. The satellite is expected to aid air force and army communications.&nbsp;

ISRO said the GSAT-7A's mission life is eight years.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Communication satellite GSAT-7A on-board GSLV-F11 launched at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. <a href="https://t.co/suR92wNBAL">pic.twitter.com/suR92wNBAL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1075341466375991297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Update #12<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISROMissions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISROMissions</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSLVF11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSLVF11</a> successfully launches <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSAT7A?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSAT7A</a> into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. <a href="https://t.co/9PiUa8e1NI">pic.twitter.com/9PiUa8e1NI</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1075344921257623554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Around 19 minutes after lift-off, the GSLV-F11 injected GSAT-7A into its intended orbit. It will be placed in its final geostationary orbit using propulsion systems onboard it.

According to ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), the satellite will take a few days after separation from its launcher to reach its orbital slot.

ISRO scientists broke into cheers as the satellite was injected into orbit.

According to the space agency&nbsp;officials, GSAT-7A will facilitate exclusive frequency flight communication for the air force.

From the Mission Control Centre, ISRO Chairman K Sivan said Wednesday's "successful and safe" launch was the third one in 35 days and came close on the heels of the "grand success" of two missions in November.

The GSLV-F11 successfully injected the "advanced" communication GSAT-7A into orbit, an elated Sivan said, describing the mission as "wonderful."

"This is the last mission of this year. We are going to initiate the new year with a grand mission soon," Sivan added.&nbsp;

Sivan said the new year would see ISRO taking up challenging launches, including the Chandrayaan-2 moon mission.

The GSLV-F11 is the ISRO's fourth generation launch vehicle with three stages.

Four liquid strap-ons and a solid rocket motor at the core form the first stage of the launch vehicle, while the second stage is equipped with a high-thrust engine using liquid fuel, ISRO said.

The Cryogenic Upper Stage forms the third and final stage of the vehicle.

The seventh launch of 2018 from Sriharikota marks the 69th mission of GSLV-F11 for ISRO.

(With inputs from PTI)

ISRO on Wednesday launched its GSAT-7A satellite from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The 2,250kg communication satellite was launched onboard ISRO's GSLV-F11 rocket.

ISRO on Wednesday launched its GSAT-7A satellite from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The 2,250kg communication satellite was launched onboard ISRO's GSLV-F11 rocket. The launch took place at 4.10 pm after a 26-hour countdown. The satellite is expected to aid air force and army communications. ISRO said the GSAT-7A's mission life is eight years. #WATCH: Communication satellite GSAT-7A on-board GSLV-F11 launched at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. pic.twitter.com/suR92wNBAL — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2018 × Update #12#ISROMissions#GSLVF11 successfully launches #GSAT7A into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. pic.twitter.com/9PiUa8e1NI — ISRO (@isro) December 19, 2018 × Around 19 minutes after lift-off, the GSLV-F11 injected GSAT-7A into its intended orbit. It will be placed in its final geostationary orbit using propulsion systems onboard it. According to ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), the satellite will take a few days after separation from its launcher to reach its orbital slot. ISRO scientists broke into cheers as the satellite was injected into orbit. According to the space agency officials, GSAT-7A will facilitate exclusive frequency flight communication for the air force. From the Mission Control Centre, ISRO Chairman K Sivan said Wednesday's "successful and safe" launch was the third one in 35 days and came close on the heels of the "grand success" of two missions in November. The GSLV-F11 successfully injected the "advanced" communication GSAT-7A into orbit, an elated Sivan said, describing the mission as "wonderful." "This is the last mission of this year. We are going to initiate the new year with a grand mission soon," Sivan added. Sivan said the new year would see ISRO taking up challenging launches, including the Chandrayaan-2 moon mission. The GSLV-F11 is the ISRO's fourth generation launch vehicle with three stages. Four liquid strap-ons and a solid rocket motor at the core form the first stage of the launch vehicle, while the second stage is equipped with a high-thrust engine using liquid fuel, ISRO said. The Cryogenic Upper Stage forms the third and final stage of the vehicle. The seventh launch of 2018 from Sriharikota marks the 69th mission of GSLV-F11 for ISRO. (With inputs from PTI)

Watch: ISRO launches GSAT-7A, satellite will aid IAF, army communications

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-launch-gsat-7a-communication-satellite-today-from-sriharikota-185207">ISRO to launch GSAT-7A communication satellite today from Sriharikota</a>

The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) will launch GSAT-7A, an advanced geostationary communication satellite from Sriharikota at 4.10 pm today. &nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-bans-bump-stocks-on-semi-automatic-weapons-used-in-mass-shootings-185205">US bans 'bump stocks' on semi-automatic weapons used in mass shootings</a>

The US government said Tuesday it was banning bump stocks, devices that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire like machine guns and that were used in a mass shooting in Las Vegas in October 2017.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/belgian-pm-charles-michel-submits-resignation-over-migrant-row-185204">Belgian PM Charles Michel submits resignation over migrant row</a>

Nationalist anger over migration brought down the Belgian government on Tuesday, forcing Prime Minister Charles Michel to offer the king his resignation.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ex-security-chief-flynn-sold-country-out-says-judge-delays-russia-probe-sentencing-185209">Trump ex-security chief Flynn sold </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ex-security-chief-flynn-sold-country-out-says-judge-delays-russia-probe-sentencing-185209">country</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ex-security-chief-flynn-sold-country-out-says-judge-delays-russia-probe-sentencing-185209"> out, says judge; delays Russia probe sentencing</a>

A federal judge accused President Donald Trump's former national security chief Michael Flynn Tuesday of selling out the United States but agreed to delay his sentencing for lying over secret communications with Russian officials.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-panel-closes-door-on-gay-marriage-constitutional-amendment-185212">Cuba eliminates gay marriage from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-panel-closes-door-on-gay-marriage-constitutional-amendment-185212">new</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-panel-closes-door-on-gay-marriage-constitutional-amendment-185212"> constitution</a>

Cuba will leave out of its new constitution changes that would have paved the way for legal same-sex marriage, despite majority support in local assemblies, a government official said Tuesday.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

ISRO to launch GSAT-7A communication satellite today from Sriharikota The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) will launch GSAT-7A, an advanced geostationary communication satellite from Sriharikota at 4.

ISRO to launch GSAT-7A communication satellite today from Sriharikota The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) will launch GSAT-7A, an advanced geostationary communication satellite from Sriharikota at 4.10 pm today. US bans 'bump stocks' on semi-automatic weapons used in mass shootings The US government said Tuesday it was banning bump stocks, devices that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire like machine guns and that were used in a mass shooting in Las Vegas in October 2017. Belgian PM Charles Michel submits resignation over migrant row Nationalist anger over migration brought down the Belgian government on Tuesday, forcing Prime Minister Charles Michel to offer the king his resignation. Trump ex-security chief Flynn sold country out, says judge; delays Russia probe sentencing A federal judge accused President Donald Trump's former national security chief Michael Flynn Tuesday of selling out the United States but agreed to delay his sentencing for lying over secret communications with Russian officials. Cuba eliminates gay marriage from new constitution Cuba will leave out of its new constitution changes that would have paved the way for legal same-sex marriage, despite majority support in local assemblies, a government official said Tuesday.

India's heaviest satellite GSAT-11, that would boost broadband services in the country, was successfully launched by an Arianespace rocket from the French Guiana in the early hours of Wednesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-plans-big-for-2019-chandrayaan-2-human-spacelift-programme-among-19-missions-to-launch-by-march-162070">the Indian Space Research Organisation</a> (ISRO) said.

Blasting off from the Ariane Launch Complex at Kourou, a French territory located along the northeastern coast of South America at 02:07 am (IST), the Ariane-5 vehicle injected GSAT-11 into the orbit in a flawless flight lasting about 33 minutes.&nbsp;

"ISRO's heaviest and most-advanced high throughput communication satellite GSAT-11 was successfully launched from the Spaceport in French Guiana during the early hours today," the Indian space agency said.

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Update #4<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISROMissions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISROMissions</a> 
 
Here's the video of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ariane5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ariane5</a> VA-246 lift off from Kourou Launch Base early today morning carrying India's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSAT11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSAT11</a> and South Korea’s GEO-KOMPSAT-2A satellites, as scheduled. 
 
Video: <a href="https://twitter.com/Arianespace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Arianespace</a> <a href="https://t.co/h0gjApbHHd">pic.twitter.com/h0gjApbHHd</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1070124787836436482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Update #5<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISROMissions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISROMissions</a> 
Here's the really massive fellow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSAT11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSAT11</a> all set to undertake communication duties for India. Scientists will now do phase-wise orbit-raising manoeuvres to place satellite in Geostationary Orbit (36,000 km above 
equator) using onboard propulsion systems. <a href="https://t.co/BxsGmwYNhY">pic.twitter.com/BxsGmwYNhY</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1070127288841191424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Update #6<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISROMissions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISROMissions</a> 
 
Here's all you wanted to know about today's successful <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSAT11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSAT11</a> mission. <a href="https://t.co/oq6TglDkmk">pic.twitter.com/oq6TglDkmk</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1070135400713220096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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After a 30-minute flight, GSAT-11 separated from the Ariane 5 upper stage in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. The achieved orbit was very close to the intended one, it said.

".....The heaviest, largest and most powerful satellite ever built by India is successfully launched by Ariane-5 today," ISRO Chairman K Sivan said soon after the launch, describing the GSAT-11 as the "richest space asset" for India.

Weighing about 5,854 kg, the GSAT-11 is the "heaviest" satellite built by ISRO.

It is a next generation "high throughput" communication satellite configured around ISRO's I-6K Bus, and has a designed lifetime of more than 15 years.

Post-separation, ISRO's Master Control Facility at Hassan, in Karnataka, took over the command and control of GSAT-11 and found its health parameters normal, the space agency said in a statement.

The satellite is initially placed in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and will be raised to the Geostationary Orbit (36,000 km above the equator) through phase-wise orbit-raising manoeuvres in the days ahead, using its on-board propulsion systems.

GSAT-11 will be positioned at 74-degree east longitude in the geostationary orbit, ISRO said, adding that subsequently, the two solar arrays and four antenna reflectors of the satellite will be deployed in orbit. The satellite will be operational after the successful completion of all in-orbit tests.&nbsp;

According to ISRO, GSAT-11 will provide high data rate connectivity to users of Indian mainland and islands through 32 user beams in Ku-band and 8 hub beams in Ka-band. 
Calling the satellite a fore-runner in a series of advanced communications satellites with multi-spot beam antenna coverage over Indian mainland and islands, it said GSAT-11 will play a vital role in providing broadband services across the country and also be a platform to demonstrate new generation applications.

Stating that GSAT-11 is going to be the "richest space asset" for India, Sivan said ".....It is going to provide something like 16 GBPS data link services to the country." It is the third in a series of four satellites aimed at achieving the government's ambitious target to provide high data connectivity of 100 GBPS in the country under the Digital India Mission, he added.

According to the space agency, GSAT-11 would provide high data connectivity to users across India, broadband connectivity to gram panchayats under the BharathNet project and support high data rate applications for enterprise network and consumer broadband applications.

GSAT-11 was initially planned for launch on May 25, but was rescheduled with the ISRO, citing the need for additional technical checks, recalling it for tests.&nbsp; 
Sivan thanked Arianespace for making it possible for the ISRO to achieve the launch this year itself.

The Ariane-5 vehicle (Flight VA246) also carried GEO-KOMPSAT-2A for the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), along with GSAT-11.

The 3,507.20 kg GEO-KOMPSAT-2A is designed to conduct meteorological and space weather monitoring missions.

Since the launch of India's APPLE experimental satellite on Ariane Flight L03 in 1981, it has orbited 22 satellites under contracts with the Indian space agency, Arianespace said, adding that two more satellites, GSAT-31 and GSAT-30, were in the order book.&nbsp;

India's heaviest satellite GSAT-11, that would boost broadband services in the country, was successfully launched by an Arianespace rocket from the French Guiana in the early hours of Wednesday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said.

India's heaviest satellite GSAT-11, that would boost broadband services in the country, was successfully launched by an Arianespace rocket from the French Guiana in the early hours of Wednesday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said. Blasting off from the Ariane Launch Complex at Kourou, a French territory located along the northeastern coast of South America at 02:07 am (IST), the Ariane-5 vehicle injected GSAT-11 into the orbit in a flawless flight lasting about 33 minutes. "ISRO's heaviest and most-advanced high throughput communication satellite GSAT-11 was successfully launched from the Spaceport in French Guiana during the early hours today," the Indian space agency said. Update #4#ISROMissions Here's the video of #Ariane5 VA-246 lift off from Kourou Launch Base early today morning carrying India's #GSAT11 and South Korea’s GEO-KOMPSAT-2A satellites, as scheduled. Video: @Arianespace pic.twitter.com/h0gjApbHHd — ISRO (@isro) December 5, 2018 × Update #5#ISROMissions Here's the really massive fellow #GSAT11 all set to undertake communication duties for India. Scientists will now do phase-wise orbit-raising manoeuvres to place satellite in Geostationary Orbit (36,000 km above equator) using onboard propulsion systems. pic.twitter.com/BxsGmwYNhY — ISRO (@isro) December 5, 2018 × Update #6#ISROMissions Here's all you wanted to know about today's successful #GSAT11 mission. pic.twitter.com/oq6TglDkmk — ISRO (@isro) December 5, 2018 × After a 30-minute flight, GSAT-11 separated from the Ariane 5 upper stage in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. The achieved orbit was very close to the intended one, it said. ".....The heaviest, largest and most powerful satellite ever built by India is successfully launched by Ariane-5 today," ISRO Chairman K Sivan said soon after the launch, describing the GSAT-11 as the "richest space asset" for India. Weighing about 5,854 kg, the GSAT-11 is the "heaviest" satellite built by ISRO. It is a next generation "high throughput" communication satellite configured around ISRO's I-6K Bus, and has a designed lifetime of more than 15 years. Post-separation, ISRO's Master Control Facility at Hassan, in Karnataka, took over the command and control of GSAT-11 and found its health parameters normal, the space agency said in a statement. The satellite is initially placed in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and will be raised to the Geostationary Orbit (36,000 km above the equator) through phase-wise orbit-raising manoeuvres in the days ahead, using its on-board propulsion systems. GSAT-11 will be positioned at 74-degree east longitude in the geostationary orbit, ISRO said, adding that subsequently, the two solar arrays and four antenna reflectors of the satellite will be deployed in orbit. The satellite will be operational after the successful completion of all in-orbit tests. According to ISRO, GSAT-11 will provide high data rate connectivity to users of Indian mainland and islands through 32 user beams in Ku-band and 8 hub beams in Ka-band. Calling the satellite a fore-runner in a series of advanced communications satellites with multi-spot beam antenna coverage over Indian mainland and islands, it said GSAT-11 will play a vital role in providing broadband services across the country and also be a platform to demonstrate new generation applications. Stating that GSAT-11 is going to be the "richest space asset" for India, Sivan said ".....It is going to provide something like 16 GBPS data link services to the country." It is the third in a series of four satellites aimed at achieving the government's ambitious target to provide high data connectivity of 100 GBPS in the country under the Digital India Mission, he added. According to the space agency, GSAT-11 would provide high data connectivity to users across India, broadband connectivity to gram panchayats under the BharathNet project and support high data rate applications for enterprise network and consumer broadband applications. GSAT-11 was initially planned for launch on May 25, but was rescheduled with the ISRO, citing the need for additional technical checks, recalling it for tests. Sivan thanked Arianespace for making it possible for the ISRO to achieve the launch this year itself. The Ariane-5 vehicle (Flight VA246) also carried GEO-KOMPSAT-2A for the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), along with GSAT-11. The 3,507.20 kg GEO-KOMPSAT-2A is designed to conduct meteorological and space weather monitoring missions. Since the launch of India's APPLE experimental satellite on Ariane Flight L03 in 1981, it has orbited 22 satellites under contracts with the Indian space agency, Arianespace said, adding that two more satellites, GSAT-31 and GSAT-30, were in the order book.

ISRO's heaviest satellite launched; the GSAT-11 will boost broadband services in the country

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-launch-gsat-29-shortly-satellite-to-meet-communication-needs-of-remote-areas-177320">ISRO launches India's heaviest rocket, satellite on board will boost communication in Northeast, J&amp;K</a>

India's heaviest rocket the GSLV-MkIII-D2 blasted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Prades carrying the communication satellite GSAT-29 on board. The satellite will boost communications in remote areas.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the GSLV-MkIII stands 43.4 metres tall and weighs 640 tonnes.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-rajapaksa-deputies-say-he-will-stay-in-office-177314">Sri Lanka: Rajapaksa deputies say he will stay in office despite losing trust vote</a>

Sri Lanka's parliament passed a no-confidence motion against newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday, presenting a standoff with the opposition and throwing the country deeper into turmoil.

Deputies from Rajapaksa's party rejected the voice vote as illegal, saying it wasn't scheduled and that the pro-China former strongman would remain in office.

It wasn't immediately clear what President Maithripala Sirisena, who triggered the crisis by firing Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and naming Rajapaksa to the job last month, would do now.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-terror-attacks-finally-lead-back-to-single-source-modi-to-us-vp-mike-pence-177357">All terror attacks finally lead back to 'single source': Modi to US VP Mike Pence</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday told US Vice President Mike Pence that all the traces and all the leads in the global terror attacks ultimately leads to a "single source and single place of origin", in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

Modi, who held talks with Pence on a wide range of bilateral and global issues of mutual interests on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit here, also expressed concern over the participation of terrorists in the elections in Pakistan.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/deepika-padukone-and-ranveer-singh-are-now-officially-married-reports-177328">Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are now married: Reports</a>

It's finally happened. Bollywood's favourite couple- Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh- are officially married. The couple tied the knot in a traditional Konkani ceremony on Wednesday morning at Lake Como, Italy.&nbsp;

According to media reports, the wedding began at 9 am in the morning. The ceremony was strictly a private one with only close friends and relatives in attendance. No mobile phones were allowed at the venue.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-supreme-court-reserves-judgement-on-petitions-seeking-court-monitored-probe-177339">Rafale deal: SC reserves judgement on petitions seeking court-monitored probe</a>

After a four-hour long hearing, the Supreme Court reserved its judgement Wednesday on the clutch of petitions seeking a court-monitored probe into the Rafale deal.&nbsp;

The government’s response to the Supreme Court — the court had asked for pricing and decision-making details of the deal — met with fiery questions from the petitioners. The petitioners alleged that the procurement of the 36 Rafale jets was announced first and negotiations held later, when it should have been the other way round.&nbsp;

Questions about the pricing of the jets dominated the day's discourse with the petitioners quizzing the Centre about having provided the details twice in parliament but not to them.

ISRO launches India's heaviest rocket, satellite on board will boost communication in Northeast, J&K India's heaviest rocket the GSLV-MkIII-D2 blasted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Prades carrying the communication satellite GSAT-29 on board.

ISRO launches India's heaviest rocket, satellite on board will boost communication in Northeast, J&K India's heaviest rocket the GSLV-MkIII-D2 blasted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Prades carrying the communication satellite GSAT-29 on board. The satellite will boost communications in remote areas. According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the GSLV-MkIII stands 43.4 metres tall and weighs 640 tonnes. Sri Lanka: Rajapaksa deputies say he will stay in office despite losing trust vote Sri Lanka's parliament passed a no-confidence motion against newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday, presenting a standoff with the opposition and throwing the country deeper into turmoil. Deputies from Rajapaksa's party rejected the voice vote as illegal, saying it wasn't scheduled and that the pro-China former strongman would remain in office. It wasn't immediately clear what President Maithripala Sirisena, who triggered the crisis by firing Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and naming Rajapaksa to the job last month, would do now. All terror attacks finally lead back to 'single source': Modi to US VP Mike Pence Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday told US Vice President Mike Pence that all the traces and all the leads in the global terror attacks ultimately leads to a "single source and single place of origin", in an apparent reference to Pakistan. Modi, who held talks with Pence on a wide range of bilateral and global issues of mutual interests on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit here, also expressed concern over the participation of terrorists in the elections in Pakistan. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are now married: Reports It's finally happened. Bollywood's favourite couple- Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh- are officially married. The couple tied the knot in a traditional Konkani ceremony on Wednesday morning at Lake Como, Italy. According to media reports, the wedding began at 9 am in the morning. The ceremony was strictly a private one with only close friends and relatives in attendance. No mobile phones were allowed at the venue. Rafale deal: SC reserves judgement on petitions seeking court-monitored probe After a four-hour long hearing, the Supreme Court reserved its judgement Wednesday on the clutch of petitions seeking a court-monitored probe into the Rafale deal. The government’s response to the Supreme Court — the court had asked for pricing and decision-making details of the deal — met with fiery questions from the petitioners. The petitioners alleged that the procurement of the 36 Rafale jets was announced first and negotiations held later, when it should have been the other way round. Questions about the pricing of the jets dominated the day's discourse with the petitioners quizzing the Centre about having provided the details twice in parliament but not to them.

Scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory of ISRO in Ahmedabad have now discovered a or super-Neptune size exoplanet which is about 27 the mass of Earth and about six times its radius.&nbsp;

As per ISRO, the planet, known as EPIC 211945201b or K2-236b, is 600 lightyears away from the Earth and revolves around a sun-like star in about 19.5 days.&nbsp;

The scientific team, led by Prof Abhijit Chakraborty made the discovery. Initially, NASA’s K2 (Kepler), a space observatory that continually monitors the brightness of the stars, picked up an anomaly in one of its photometry readings.

It goes around the star and therefore blocks a tiny amount of star-light. By measuring the amount of light blocked by the planet body, the diameter or size of the planet can be measured. It was found to be 6 Earth radii. However, that data was not sufficient to confirm the planetary nature of the system.

The team then made the discovery by measuring the mass of the planet using the indigenously designed &nbsp;“PRL Advance Radial-velocity Abu-sky Search” (PARAS) spectrograph integrated with 1.2m Telescope at PRL’s Gurushikhar Observatory in Mount Abu, India.&nbsp;

The surface temperature of the planet is around 600°C. This might make it unhabitable, but such a discovery is of importance for understanding the formation mechanism of such super-Neptune or sub-Saturn kind of planets, that are too close to the host star.

The PRL scientists observed the target over a time-baseline of 420 days (in about 1.5 years) using the PARAS spectrograph for probing the nature of the system. Based on the mass and radius, model-dependent calculations suggest that the heavy elements, like ice, silicates, and iron content is 60-70 % of the total mass

With this discovery, India has joined a select league of countries which has discovered planets around stars.

<img alt="Capture_0.PNG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="414" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Capture_0.PNG" width="577" />

As per ISRO, the planet, known as EPIC 211945201b or K2-236b, is 600 lightyears away from the Earth and revolves around a sun-like star in about 19.5 days

Scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory of ISRO in Ahmedabad have now discovered a or super-Neptune size exoplanet which is about 27 the mass of Earth and about six times its radius. As per ISRO, the planet, known as EPIC 211945201b or K2-236b, is 600 lightyears away from the Earth and revolves around a sun-like star in about 19.5 days. The scientific team, led by Prof Abhijit Chakraborty made the discovery. Initially, NASA’s K2 (Kepler), a space observatory that continually monitors the brightness of the stars, picked up an anomaly in one of its photometry readings. It goes around the star and therefore blocks a tiny amount of star-light. By measuring the amount of light blocked by the planet body, the diameter or size of the planet can be measured. It was found to be 6 Earth radii. However, that data was not sufficient to confirm the planetary nature of the system. The team then made the discovery by measuring the mass of the planet using the indigenously designed “PRL Advance Radial-velocity Abu-sky Search” (PARAS) spectrograph integrated with 1.2m Telescope at PRL’s Gurushikhar Observatory in Mount Abu, India. The surface temperature of the planet is around 600°C. This might make it unhabitable, but such a discovery is of importance for understanding the formation mechanism of such super-Neptune or sub-Saturn kind of planets, that are too close to the host star. The PRL scientists observed the target over a time-baseline of 420 days (in about 1.5 years) using the PARAS spectrograph for probing the nature of the system. Based on the mass and radius, model-dependent calculations suggest that the heavy elements, like ice, silicates, and iron content is 60-70 % of the total mass With this discovery, India has joined a select league of countries which has discovered planets around stars.

India discovers a new planet 600 light years away

A major fire broke out at a research facility located in the Space Application Centre (SAC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) here this afternoon, officials said.

Nobody was reported injured in the blaze, they added.

"A major fire broke out at the research centre inside the sprawling SAC campus in the Satellite area of the city this afternoon. As many as 25 fire tenders have been pressed into service by the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES)," an AFES official said.

After being alerted about the incident, Additional Chief Fire Officer Rajesh Bhatt and other senior AFES officials rushed to the spot.

According to Bhatt, it would take a couple of hours to douse the flames completely.

"It will take another two hours to control the fire completely as thermocol sheets are still burning and emitting smoke. However, the fire has been brought under control and no one was injured," he said.

Ahmedabad District Collector Vikrant Pandey, who was also on the spot, said the blaze had engulfed the research centre building, that stood isolated.

"The fire will not spread to other buildings on the premises," he added.

"All our teams are at the site and it will soon be brought under control," Pandey added.

The SAC is a major research centre of the ISRO in the city, where payloads for satellite launched by the country are prepared. The centre was established by Vikram Sarabhai - the father of the Indian space programme.&nbsp

A major fire broke out at a research facility located in the Space Application Centre (SAC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) here this afternoon, officials said. Nobody was reported injured in the blaze, they added. "A major fire broke out at the research centre inside the sprawling SAC campus in the Satellite area of the city this afternoon. As many as 25 fire tenders have been pressed into service by the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES)," an AFES official said. After being alerted about the incident, Additional Chief Fire Officer Rajesh Bhatt and other senior AFES officials rushed to the spot. According to Bhatt, it would take a couple of hours to douse the flames completely. "It will take another two hours to control the fire completely as thermocol sheets are still burning and emitting smoke. However, the fire has been brought under control and no one was injured," he said. Ahmedabad District Collector Vikrant Pandey, who was also on the spot, said the blaze had engulfed the research centre building, that stood isolated. "The fire will not spread to other buildings on the premises," he added. "All our teams are at the site and it will soon be brought under control," Pandey added. The SAC is a major research centre of the ISRO in the city, where payloads for satellite launched by the country are prepared. The centre was established by Vikram Sarabhai - the father of the Indian space programme.

Major fire at ISRO research centre in Ahmedabad, none hurt

India has recalled GSAT-11 to conduct further tests on the satellite. According to reports, the satellite's launch date has been rescheduled from previously scheduled May 25.&nbsp;

Touted as Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) “heaviest communication satellite”, the GSAT-11 has been recalled from Arianespace’s spaceport, French Guiana to conduct more tests and a new launch date will be decided shortly after all tests are done.&nbsp;

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GSAT-11 Launch Rescheduled<a href="https://t.co/WABrd7oJxx">https://t.co/WABrd7oJxx</a><a href="https://t.co/8RuXZODdRE">https://t.co/8RuXZODdRE</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/989191969397080065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to reports, the 5.7-tonne satellite is not being recalled due to any technical fault or glitch.&nbsp;

The Indian space research agency has been tightening its precautionary measures for satellite launches after the recent episode of losing communication link with the newly launched GSAT-6A satellite.

The 5.7-tonne satellite is not being recalled due to any technical fault or glitch

India has recalled GSAT-11 to conduct further tests on the satellite. According to reports, the satellite's launch date has been rescheduled from previously scheduled May 25. Touted as Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) “heaviest communication satellite”, the GSAT-11 has been recalled from Arianespace’s spaceport, French Guiana to conduct more tests and a new launch date will be decided shortly after all tests are done. GSAT-11 Launch Rescheduledhttps://t.co/WABrd7oJxxhttps://t.co/8RuXZODdRE — ISRO (@isro) April 25, 2018 × According to reports, the 5.7-tonne satellite is not being recalled due to any technical fault or glitch. The Indian space research agency has been tightening its precautionary measures for satellite launches after the recent episode of losing communication link with the newly launched GSAT-6A satellite.

India's heaviest satellite GSAT-11 recalled from French Guiana, launch delayed

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1I or IRNSS-1I from the spaceport of Sriharikota Island, Andhra Pradesh.

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WATCH: ISRO launches the IRNSS-1I navigation satellite aboard the PSLV-C41 from First Launch Pad (FLP) of SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/RNfzYfw0VJ">pic.twitter.com/RNfzYfw0VJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/984201690298580993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Launched at 04:04 early morning, the PSLV-C41 rocket is expected to replace&nbspIRNSS-1A. This satellite is part of the constellation of seven NavIC navigation satellite.

ISRO Chairman K Sivan described the mission a success as he congratulated his fellow scientists.

He said that IRNSS-II has successfully placed in the designated orbit.

This is the second attempt by ISRO to send a replacement satellite as the first attempt in August 2017 the launch of IRNSS-1H had failed.&nbsp

The previous mission last year failed after heat shield covering the satellite failed to separate from the rocket as onboard atomic clocks stopped functioning.

The purpose of these IRNSS satellites is to create India's own navigation system which would be in the lines of US' GPS or Global Positioning System.

Two weeks back ISRO launched GSAT-6A on board GSLV Mk-II. However, the ISRO lost communication with the satellite within two days.

 
&nbsp

The satellite PSLV-C41 is part of the constellation of seven NavIC navigation satellite

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1I or IRNSS-1I from the spaceport of Sriharikota Island, Andhra Pradesh. WATCH: ISRO launches the IRNSS-1I navigation satellite aboard the PSLV-C41 from First Launch Pad (FLP) of SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/RNfzYfw0VJ — ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2018 × Launched at 04:04 early morning, the PSLV-C41 rocket is expected to replace&nbspIRNSS-1A. This satellite is part of the constellation of seven NavIC navigation satellite. ISRO Chairman K Sivan described the mission a success as he congratulated his fellow scientists. He said that IRNSS-II has successfully placed in the designated orbit. This is the second attempt by ISRO to send a replacement satellite as the first attempt in August 2017 the launch of IRNSS-1H had failed. The previous mission last year failed after heat shield covering the satellite failed to separate from the rocket as onboard atomic clocks stopped functioning. The purpose of these IRNSS satellites is to create India's own navigation system which would be in the lines of US' GPS or Global Positioning System. Two weeks back ISRO launched GSAT-6A on board GSLV Mk-II. However, the ISRO lost communication with the satellite within two days.

ISRO successfully launches 'replacement' navigation satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation will on Thursday launch a navigation satellite, the eighth such satellite to be a part of a constellation, from Sriharikota, the space agency said today.

PSLV-C41/IRNSS-1I Mission is scheduled to be launched on Thursday morning at 04:04 AM.

IRNSS-1I is expected to replace IRNSS-1A, the first of the seven navigation satellites, that was rendered ineffective after its three rubidium atomic clocks failed. The seven satellites are part of the NavIC navigation satellite constellation.

The launch will be ISRO's second attempt at sending a replacement satellite.

The previous mission of a PSLV carrying IRNSS-1H in August last year failed after the heat shield covering the satellite failed to separate.

"India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its forty-third flight (PSLV-C41) in XL configuration will launch IRNSS-1I Satellite from First Launch Pad (FLP) of SDSC (Satish Dhawan Space Centre), Sriharikota," the ISRO said.

The IRNSS-1I mission will take place two weeks after the space agency launched GSAT-6A on board GSLV Mk-II. Though the rocket placed GSAT-6A in orbit, ISRO lost communication with the satellite.&nbsp;

IRNSS-1I is expected to replace IRNSS-1A, the first of the seven navigation satellites, that was rendered ineffective after its three rubidium atomic clocks failed.

The Indian Space Research Organisation will on Thursday launch a navigation satellite, the eighth such satellite to be a part of a constellation, from Sriharikota, the space agency said today. PSLV-C41/IRNSS-1I Mission is scheduled to be launched on Thursday morning at 04:04 AM. IRNSS-1I is expected to replace IRNSS-1A, the first of the seven navigation satellites, that was rendered ineffective after its three rubidium atomic clocks failed. The seven satellites are part of the NavIC navigation satellite constellation. The launch will be ISRO's second attempt at sending a replacement satellite. The previous mission of a PSLV carrying IRNSS-1H in August last year failed after the heat shield covering the satellite failed to separate. "India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its forty-third flight (PSLV-C41) in XL configuration will launch IRNSS-1I Satellite from First Launch Pad (FLP) of SDSC (Satish Dhawan Space Centre), Sriharikota," the ISRO said. The IRNSS-1I mission will take place two weeks after the space agency launched GSAT-6A on board GSLV Mk-II. Though the rocket placed GSAT-6A in orbit, ISRO lost communication with the satellite.

ISRO to launch navigation satellite on April 12

Indian space scientists and engineers are making all-out efforts to establish a link with the communication satellite GSAT-6A launched on March 29, said an official on Tuesday.

On Sunday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) admitted belatedly that it lost the crucial link with GSAT-6A, two days after it was launched on 29 March on board the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) from its spaceport in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

The satellite was to be placed in its intended orbit 36,000 km above ground level after three orbit-raising manoeuvres from the space agency's Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka, about 180 km from Bengaluru.

GSAT-6A, with a mission life of about 10 years, is designed to provide a thrust to mobile communication through its multi-beam coverage facility. It will also help in mobile communication even from remote locations through hand-held ground terminals and is considered a shot in the arm for the military.

The satellite is also aimed at providing a platform for developing technologies such as demonstration of 6-metre S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, hand-held ground terminals and network management techniques that could be useful in satellite-based mobile communication applications. "GSAT-6A is a complement to GSAT-6, which is already in orbit. These two satellites, combined, will provide a platform for the development of advanced technologies," Sivan had said post the launch.

This was the first mission under the chairmanship of Sivan, who assumed charge of the space agency in January. In August 2017, India's mission to launch its backup navigation satellite IRNSS-1H on board PSLV-C39 ended in a failure after a technical fault on the final leg following a perfect launch.

ISRO had then said the heat shield had not separated on the final leg of the launch sequence and, as a result, IRNSS-1H had got stuck in the fourth stage of the rocket.

(With inputs from Agencies)

GSAT-6A, with a mission life of about 10 years, is designed to provide a thrust to mobile communication through its multi-beam coverage facility

Indian space scientists and engineers are making all-out efforts to establish a link with the communication satellite GSAT-6A launched on March 29, said an official on Tuesday. On Sunday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) admitted belatedly that it lost the crucial link with GSAT-6A, two days after it was launched on 29 March on board the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) from its spaceport in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The satellite was to be placed in its intended orbit 36,000 km above ground level after three orbit-raising manoeuvres from the space agency's Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka, about 180 km from Bengaluru. GSAT-6A, with a mission life of about 10 years, is designed to provide a thrust to mobile communication through its multi-beam coverage facility. It will also help in mobile communication even from remote locations through hand-held ground terminals and is considered a shot in the arm for the military. The satellite is also aimed at providing a platform for developing technologies such as demonstration of 6-metre S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, hand-held ground terminals and network management techniques that could be useful in satellite-based mobile communication applications. "GSAT-6A is a complement to GSAT-6, which is already in orbit. These two satellites, combined, will provide a platform for the development of advanced technologies," Sivan had said post the launch. This was the first mission under the chairmanship of Sivan, who assumed charge of the space agency in January. In August 2017, India's mission to launch its backup navigation satellite IRNSS-1H on board PSLV-C39 ended in a failure after a technical fault on the final leg following a perfect launch. ISRO had then said the heat shield had not separated on the final leg of the launch sequence and, as a result, IRNSS-1H had got stuck in the fourth stage of the rocket. (With inputs from Agencies)

GSAT-6A: 3 days on, ISRO yet to re-establish link with the communication satellite

After ISRO informed that it had lost contact with its GSAT-6A satellite on Sunday, they are now speculating that it is very well possible that it could become a 'fully loaded space debris' if link is not established soon enough.&nbsp

Although, ISRO says that it was making efforts to establish a link, with preliminary data showing there are chances of recovery.

As per reports, the satellite's onboard motors have fuel for raising its orbit and also for the next 10 years. The satellites are powered by solar panels that charge the onboard batteries.&nbsp

According to experts, the power system could have failed due to some short-circuiting or arcing resulting in what is known in the space terminology 'loss of lock' or loss of contact with the ground station.&nbsp

The ISRO Chief also pointed out that whenever there is disturbance, the satellite goes into "safe mode" and gets back immediately however, it has not happened this time. "Usually when these type of disturbances come, satellite will go into safe mode, then we establish the link and put the satellite back, but now we are not able to link, and that process is going on," he said.

"Once we are able to contact, then we will be able to do the further function," he added. &nbsp&nbsp

To a question on chances of recovery, Shivan said "right now the preliminary data shows we have chance, we keep trying. First, we have to get the link, that is the most important. Once it is there, we will be able to do the job."

The Indian Space Research Organisation lost communication with the satellite when it attempted to ignite the engine in a third and final move to its desired location after its March 29 textbook launch from the spaceport of Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp

The second orbit raising operation of GSAT-6A was successfully carried out on Saturday, but when it was on course to normal operating configuration for the third and final firing scheduled for April 1, communication with the satellite was lost, the space agency said after maintaining unusual silence on the health of the satellite.

Although, ISRO says that it was making efforts to establish a link, with preliminary data showing there are chances of recovery

After ISRO informed that it had lost contact with its GSAT-6A satellite on Sunday, they are now speculating that it is very well possible that it could become a 'fully loaded space debris' if link is not established soon enough. Although, ISRO says that it was making efforts to establish a link, with preliminary data showing there are chances of recovery. As per reports, the satellite's onboard motors have fuel for raising its orbit and also for the next 10 years. The satellites are powered by solar panels that charge the onboard batteries. According to experts, the power system could have failed due to some short-circuiting or arcing resulting in what is known in the space terminology 'loss of lock' or loss of contact with the ground station. The ISRO Chief also pointed out that whenever there is disturbance, the satellite goes into "safe mode" and gets back immediately however, it has not happened this time. "Usually when these type of disturbances come, satellite will go into safe mode, then we establish the link and put the satellite back, but now we are not able to link, and that process is going on," he said. "Once we are able to contact, then we will be able to do the further function," he added. To a question on chances of recovery, Shivan said "right now the preliminary data shows we have chance, we keep trying. First, we have to get the link, that is the most important. Once it is there, we will be able to do the job." The Indian Space Research Organisation lost communication with the satellite when it attempted to ignite the engine in a third and final move to its desired location after its March 29 textbook launch from the spaceport of Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The second orbit raising operation of GSAT-6A was successfully carried out on Saturday, but when it was on course to normal operating configuration for the third and final firing scheduled for April 1, communication with the satellite was lost, the space agency said after maintaining unusual silence on the health of the satellite.

GSAT-6A could become 'space debris' if link not established: Experts

Two days after India's latest communication satellite with military applications GSAT-6A was launched, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today said it had lost contact with it and was making efforts to establish link.

The space agency lost communication with the satellite when it attempted to ignite the engine in a third and final move to its desired location after its March 29 textbook launch from the space port of Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

The second orbit raising operation of GSAT-6A was successfully carried out on Saturday, but when it was on course to normal operating configuration for the third and final firing scheduled for April 1, communication with the satellite was lost, the space agency said after maintaining unusual silence on the health of the satellite.

A satellite is placed in orbit in three phases.

"Efforts are underway to establish link with the satellite," Bengaluru-headquartered ISRO said on its website.

The 2,140-kg GSAT-6A rode piggyback on ISRO's powerful geosynchronous rocket (GSLV-F08) fitted with indigenous cryogenic engine at the third stage and was put into orbit successfully after the launch in what was described by a senior ISRO official as a "magnificent mission".

GSAT-6A is aimed at helping in mobile communication even from very remote locations through hand-held ground terminals and is considered a shot in the arm for the armed forces.

The space agency's unusual silence regarding the satellite had set off speculation about its health.

ISRO, which normally communicates on its website about the orbit raising operations like it did on March 30, following the success of the first orbit raising operation, had not released any update since then.

The last update was on March 30, wherein it said, "The first orbit raising operation of GSAT-6A Satellite has been successfully carried out by Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) Engine firing for 2188 sec from 09:22hr IST on March 30, 2018."

"Orbit Determination results from this LAM firing are: apogee X perigee height was changed to 36412 km X 5054 km. Inclination is 11.93 deg. Orbital period is 12hr 45min," it had said. 
ISRO did not spell out what went wrong.

Reports, however, suggest that the glitch was related to the satellite's power system after the second orbit-raising exercise yesterday, following which ISRO's top brass have reportedly gone into a huddle towards setting things right.

The orbit raising operation is carried out to hurl the satellite to its space home.

GSAT-6A, with a mission life of about 10 years, is designed to provide thrust to mobile communication through multi-beam coverage facility.

The satellite is also aimed at providing a platform for developing technologies such as demonstration of 6 m S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, hand-held ground terminals and network management techniques that could be useful in satellite-based mobile communication applications.

"GSAT-6A is a complement to GSAT6, already in orbit. These two satellites combined will provide a platform for development of advanced technologies," ISRO Chairman K Sivan had said post the launch.

This was the first mission for Sivan, who assumed charge of the space agency in January.

In August last year, India's mission to launch its backup navigation satellite IRNSS-1H on board PSLV-C39 ended in a failure after a technical fault on the final leg following a perfect launch.

ISRO had then said the heat shield had not separated on the final leg of the launch sequence and, as a result, IRNSS-1H had got stuck in the fourth stage of the rocket.&nbsp

The space agency lost communication with the satellite when it attempted to ignite the engine in a third and final move to its desired location after its March 29 textbook launch from the space port of Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh

Two days after India's latest communication satellite with military applications GSAT-6A was launched, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today said it had lost contact with it and was making efforts to establish link. The space agency lost communication with the satellite when it attempted to ignite the engine in a third and final move to its desired location after its March 29 textbook launch from the space port of Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The second orbit raising operation of GSAT-6A was successfully carried out on Saturday, but when it was on course to normal operating configuration for the third and final firing scheduled for April 1, communication with the satellite was lost, the space agency said after maintaining unusual silence on the health of the satellite. A satellite is placed in orbit in three phases. "Efforts are underway to establish link with the satellite," Bengaluru-headquartered ISRO said on its website. The 2,140-kg GSAT-6A rode piggyback on ISRO's powerful geosynchronous rocket (GSLV-F08) fitted with indigenous cryogenic engine at the third stage and was put into orbit successfully after the launch in what was described by a senior ISRO official as a "magnificent mission". GSAT-6A is aimed at helping in mobile communication even from very remote locations through hand-held ground terminals and is considered a shot in the arm for the armed forces. The space agency's unusual silence regarding the satellite had set off speculation about its health. ISRO, which normally communicates on its website about the orbit raising operations like it did on March 30, following the success of the first orbit raising operation, had not released any update since then. The last update was on March 30, wherein it said, "The first orbit raising operation of GSAT-6A Satellite has been successfully carried out by Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) Engine firing for 2188 sec from 09:22hr IST on March 30, 2018." "Orbit Determination results from this LAM firing are: apogee X perigee height was changed to 36412 km X 5054 km. Inclination is 11.93 deg. Orbital period is 12hr 45min," it had said. ISRO did not spell out what went wrong. Reports, however, suggest that the glitch was related to the satellite's power system after the second orbit-raising exercise yesterday, following which ISRO's top brass have reportedly gone into a huddle towards setting things right. The orbit raising operation is carried out to hurl the satellite to its space home. GSAT-6A, with a mission life of about 10 years, is designed to provide thrust to mobile communication through multi-beam coverage facility. The satellite is also aimed at providing a platform for developing technologies such as demonstration of 6 m S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, hand-held ground terminals and network management techniques that could be useful in satellite-based mobile communication applications. "GSAT-6A is a complement to GSAT6, already in orbit. These two satellites combined will provide a platform for development of advanced technologies," ISRO Chairman K Sivan had said post the launch. This was the first mission for Sivan, who assumed charge of the space agency in January. In August last year, India's mission to launch its backup navigation satellite IRNSS-1H on board PSLV-C39 ended in a failure after a technical fault on the final leg following a perfect launch. ISRO had then said the heat shield had not separated on the final leg of the launch sequence and, as a result, IRNSS-1H had got stuck in the fourth stage of the rocket.

ISRO loses contact with GSAT-6A, trying to establish link

ISRO has said that it has lost communictions links with its GSAT-6A satellite.&nbsp;

The GSAT-6A had been launched on board the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) on Thursday.&nbsp;

The launch vehicle had deposited the satellite in transfer orbit on March 29. It was to be placed in final orbit today. .

"After the successful long-duration firings, the communication from the satellite was lost when it (satellite) was on course for the final firing (to place the satellite in its final geostationary orbit), scheduled for April 1 (Sunday)," ISRO said in a statement.&nbsp;

It added that efforts are on to re-establish links with the satellite.&nbsp;

Only after re-establishing communications&nbsp;links with the satellite can it be put in final orbit.&nbsp;

The GSAT-6A, launched on Thursday, was to be put into final geostationary orbit today

ISRO has said that it has lost communictions links with its GSAT-6A satellite. The GSAT-6A had been launched on board the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) on Thursday. The launch vehicle had deposited the satellite in transfer orbit on March 29. It was to be placed in final orbit today. . "After the successful long-duration firings, the communication from the satellite was lost when it (satellite) was on course for the final firing (to place the satellite in its final geostationary orbit), scheduled for April 1 (Sunday)," ISRO said in a statement. It added that efforts are on to re-establish links with the satellite. Only after re-establishing communications links with the satellite can it be put in final orbit.

ISRO says it has lost contact with its communications satellite GSAT-6A

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The Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) today launched the GSLV-F08 carrying the GSAT-6A communication satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota.&nbsp

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WION evening news brief, March 29, 2018

The Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) today launched the GSLV-F08 carrying the GSAT-6A communication satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: ISRO's launches GSLV-F08 carrying the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSAT6A?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSAT6A</a> communication satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. <a href="https://t.co/m7qum0DnkA">pic.twitter.com/m7qum0DnkA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/979323340962877440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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GSAT-6A is similar to GSAT-6, a high power S-band communication satellite built on I-2K satellite bus with a mission life of about ten years.

A key feature of the satellite is providing mobile communication to India through multi-beam coverage facility, reports said.

GSLV-F08, weighing 415.6 tonnes with a height of 49.1 metre comes with notable improvements like induction of High Thrust Vikas Engine, electromechanical actuation system in place of the electro-hydraulic actuation system.

At the end of the 27-hour countdown, the 49.1-metre Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F08), fitted with indigenously developed cryogenic third stage, lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre here at 4.56 pm and soared majestically into the clear sky.

The 2140-kg GSAT-6A is a high power S-band communication satellite and would complement the services provided by GSAT 6 since its launch in 2015. It will be a technology demonstrator for high power S-band transmission from the satellite for supporting two-way communication, according to ISRO.

The satellite will also provide a platform for developing technologies such as demonstration of 6m S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, handheld ground terminals and network management techniques that could be useful in satellite-based mobile communication applications.

ISRO had made significant improvements in the GSLV Mk-II rocket including induction of high thrust Vikas engine in the second stage. The three-stage launch vehicle weighing 415.6 tonnes also was deployed with electromechanical actuation system in place of electro-hydraulic actuation system for much better reliability.

(With inputs from PTI)

&nbsp;

GSAT-6A is similar to GSAT-6, a high power S-band communication satellite built on I-2K satellite bus with a mission life of about ten years

The Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) today launched the GSLV-F08 carrying the GSAT-6A communication satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota. #WATCH: ISRO's launches GSLV-F08 carrying the #GSAT6A communication satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/m7qum0DnkA — ANI (@ANI) March 29, 2018 × GSAT-6A is similar to GSAT-6, a high power S-band communication satellite built on I-2K satellite bus with a mission life of about ten years. A key feature of the satellite is providing mobile communication to India through multi-beam coverage facility, reports said. GSLV-F08, weighing 415.6 tonnes with a height of 49.1 metre comes with notable improvements like induction of High Thrust Vikas Engine, electromechanical actuation system in place of the electro-hydraulic actuation system. At the end of the 27-hour countdown, the 49.1-metre Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F08), fitted with indigenously developed cryogenic third stage, lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre here at 4.56 pm and soared majestically into the clear sky. The 2140-kg GSAT-6A is a high power S-band communication satellite and would complement the services provided by GSAT 6 since its launch in 2015. It will be a technology demonstrator for high power S-band transmission from the satellite for supporting two-way communication, according to ISRO. The satellite will also provide a platform for developing technologies such as demonstration of 6m S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, handheld ground terminals and network management techniques that could be useful in satellite-based mobile communication applications. ISRO had made significant improvements in the GSLV Mk-II rocket including induction of high thrust Vikas engine in the second stage. The three-stage launch vehicle weighing 415.6 tonnes also was deployed with electromechanical actuation system in place of electro-hydraulic actuation system for much better reliability. (With inputs from PTI)

Watch: ISRO launches GSLV-F08 carrying GSAT-6A communication satellite

ISRO is all set to launch GSLV-F08 carrying the GSAT6A communication satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota at 4.56pm today.&nbsp

Today's launch will add another feather in ISRO's cap as it is mastering the technique of making home-made communication satellites. The GSAT-6A satellite will be put into orbit around 17 minutes after the rocket's lift off.&nbsp

According to the Indian Space Research Organisation, the real-time systems check operations have been completed.

The countdown began at 1.56 pm on Wednesday.

It is scheduled to blast off from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, on Thursday.

GSAT-6A is similar to GSAT-6, a high power S-band communication satellite built on I-2K satellite bus with a mission life of about ten years, it said.

A key feature of the satellite is providing mobile communication to India through multibeam coverage facility.

The satellite will also provide a platform for developing technologies such as demonstration of 6 m S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, handheld ground terminals and network management techniques that could be useful in satellite-based mobile communication applications.

GSLV-F08, weighing 415.6 tonnes with a height of 49.1 metre comes with notable improvements like induction of High Thrust Vikas Engine, electromechanical actuation system in place of the electro-hydraulic actuation system.

A key feature of the satellite is providing mobile communication to India through multibeam coverage facility.

ISRO is all set to launch GSLV-F08 carrying the GSAT6A communication satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota at 4.56pm today. Today's launch will add another feather in ISRO's cap as it is mastering the technique of making home-made communication satellites. The GSAT-6A satellite will be put into orbit around 17 minutes after the rocket's lift off. According to the Indian Space Research Organisation, the real-time systems check operations have been completed. The countdown began at 1.56 pm on Wednesday. It is scheduled to blast off from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, on Thursday. GSAT-6A is similar to GSAT-6, a high power S-band communication satellite built on I-2K satellite bus with a mission life of about ten years, it said. A key feature of the satellite is providing mobile communication to India through multibeam coverage facility. The satellite will also provide a platform for developing technologies such as demonstration of 6 m S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, handheld ground terminals and network management techniques that could be useful in satellite-based mobile communication applications. GSLV-F08, weighing 415.6 tonnes with a height of 49.1 metre comes with notable improvements like induction of High Thrust Vikas Engine, electromechanical actuation system in place of the electro-hydraulic actuation system.

ISRO’s GSAT-6A launch: All you need to know

The launch of India&#39;s second lunar mission &#39;Chandrayaan-2&#39;, slated for next month, has been postponed to October as the experts have suggested some tests, the ISRO said today.

The experts had met recently and suggested the tests, following which the mission will now be launched in October, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K Sivan said.

&quot;Chandrayaan 2 will not be in April, it has been changed to October,&quot; he told reporters at the airport here.

Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister&#39;s Office, in-charge of the Department of Space, Jitendra Singh had on February 16 last said the lunar mission under which the ISRO will for the first time attempt to land a rover on the moon&#39;s south pole, will be launched in April.

Sivan had earlier said the window to launch the Rs 800 crore mission was between April and November 2018. It was stated the lunar mission was not yet ready for an April lift-off and much still needs to be done. If the mission is launched in October, it will mark the 10th anniversary of the launch of the first Indian lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, which lifted off on October 22, 2008.

It will&nbsp;be the first lunar mission globally to execute a soft-landing in a particular region of the moon&rsquo;s south pole, which will be a nailbiting manoeuvre . It will also be the first mission to have the hyper spectral imager in the infrared region.

While the &quot;targeted date&quot; was April, ISRO would launch the mission in October or November, he had said.

According to ISRO, Chandrayaan-2 is a &quot;totally indigenous mission comprising an orbiter, lander and rover&quot;. The Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft weighing around 3,290 kg would orbit around the moon and perform the objectives of remote sensing the moon.

&quot;The payloads will collect scientific information on lunar topography, mineralogy, elemental abundance, lunar exosphere and signatures of hydroxyl and water-ice,&quot; ISRO said on its website about the lunar mission.

 
 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Sivan had earlier said the window to launch the Rs 800 crore mission was between April and November 2018

The launch of India's second lunar mission 'Chandrayaan-2', slated for next month, has been postponed to October as the experts have suggested some tests, the ISRO said today. The experts had met recently and suggested the tests, following which the mission will now be launched in October, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K Sivan said. "Chandrayaan 2 will not be in April, it has been changed to October," he told reporters at the airport here. Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, in-charge of the Department of Space, Jitendra Singh had on February 16 last said the lunar mission under which the ISRO will for the first time attempt to land a rover on the moon's south pole, will be launched in April. Sivan had earlier said the window to launch the Rs 800 crore mission was between April and November 2018. It was stated the lunar mission was not yet ready for an April lift-off and much still needs to be done. If the mission is launched in October, it will mark the 10th anniversary of the launch of the first Indian lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, which lifted off on October 22, 2008. It will be the first lunar mission globally to execute a soft-landing in a particular region of the moon’s south pole, which will be a nailbiting manoeuvre . It will also be the first mission to have the hyper spectral imager in the infrared region. While the "targeted date" was April, ISRO would launch the mission in October or November, he had said. According to ISRO, Chandrayaan-2 is a "totally indigenous mission comprising an orbiter, lander and rover". The Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft weighing around 3,290 kg would orbit around the moon and perform the objectives of remote sensing the moon. "The payloads will collect scientific information on lunar topography, mineralogy, elemental abundance, lunar exosphere and signatures of hydroxyl and water-ice," ISRO said on its website about the lunar mission.

Chandrayaan-2 launch postponed to October, much still needs to be done: ISRO chief

The Indian Space Research Organisation&#39;s second satellite to the moon, Chandrayaan-2, is likely to get launched by next month, ISRO announced yesterday. This time around, ISRO plans to send a rover to explore the lunar surface.

Chandrayaan-2 will be India&#39;s second mission to the Moon. In case the April launch is not successful, another attempt will be made in October this year.

&quot;We are aiming for the launch of Chandrayaan-2 in April. In case we are unable to do so, then we will try for a launch by October,&quot; Indian Space Research Organisation chairman K Sivan noted.

The Chandrayaan-2 satellite will include an orbiter, a lander and a six-wheeled rover which will facilitate its movement around the landing site. The satellite will be equipped with instruments that would send back data useful in analysing the lunar soil.

Scientists are also gearing up for the launch of a communication satellite, GSAT-6 on-board GSLV-F08, scheduled later this month.

&quot;Our immediate plan is a GSLV flight. We are planning to launch it by the end of this month. After that we plan to launch navigation satellite IRNSS-1I,&quot; shared Sivan.

The GSAT-6A is a communication satellite which will provide a platform for developing technologies. It would be useful in satellite-based mobile communication applications.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists are also gearing up for the launch of communication satellite GSAT-6

The Indian Space Research Organisation's second satellite to the moon, Chandrayaan-2, is likely to get launched by next month, ISRO announced yesterday. This time around, ISRO plans to send a rover to explore the lunar surface. Chandrayaan-2 will be India's second mission to the Moon. In case the April launch is not successful, another attempt will be made in October this year. "We are aiming for the launch of Chandrayaan-2 in April. In case we are unable to do so, then we will try for a launch by October," Indian Space Research Organisation chairman K Sivan noted. The Chandrayaan-2 satellite will include an orbiter, a lander and a six-wheeled rover which will facilitate its movement around the landing site. The satellite will be equipped with instruments that would send back data useful in analysing the lunar soil. Scientists are also gearing up for the launch of a communication satellite, GSAT-6 on-board GSLV-F08, scheduled later this month. "Our immediate plan is a GSLV flight. We are planning to launch it by the end of this month. After that we plan to launch navigation satellite IRNSS-1I," shared Sivan. The GSAT-6A is a communication satellite which will provide a platform for developing technologies. It would be useful in satellite-based mobile communication applications. (With inputs from agencies)

India's second Moon mission Chandrayaan-2 to launch by April

India&#39;s latest satellite Cartosat-2, which was successfully launched by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) last week, has sent its first image.

The image shows a part of Indore with the Holkar Cricket Stadium in the centre and was released on the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency&#39;s website.

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First Day Image from Cartosat-2 Series Satellite<a href="https://t.co/H4gCw9KK3A">https://t.co/H4gCw9KK3A</a>
&mdash; ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/953256181685878784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The satellite was successfully placed in orbit after it was launched onboard the PSLV-C40 rocket on January 12.

It is an advanced remote sensing satellite similar in configuration to earlier six spacecraft in the series and intended to augment data services to the users.

The images sent by the satellite will be useful for cartographic, urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation besides Geographical Information System applications, among others.

Thirty other satellites, including 28 from foreign countries, were also successfully launched along with the Cartosat-2 series satellite.

(With PTI inputs)

The satellite was successfully placed in orbit after it was launched onboard the PSLV-C40 rocket on January 12.

India's latest satellite Cartosat-2, which was successfully launched by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) last week, has sent its first image. The image shows a part of Indore with the Holkar Cricket Stadium in the centre and was released on the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency's website. First Day Image from Cartosat-2 Series Satellitehttps://t.co/H4gCw9KK3A — ISRO (@isro) January 16, 2018 × The satellite was successfully placed in orbit after it was launched onboard the PSLV-C40 rocket on January 12. It is an advanced remote sensing satellite similar in configuration to earlier six spacecraft in the series and intended to augment data services to the users. The images sent by the satellite will be useful for cartographic, urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation besides Geographical Information System applications, among others. Thirty other satellites, including 28 from foreign countries, were also successfully launched along with the Cartosat-2 series satellite. (With PTI inputs)

Cartosat-2 sends first image from space: Holkar Cricket Stadium

Indian Space Research Organisation&rsquo;s PSLV-C40 rocket carried the Cartosat 2 series satellite along with 30 other satellites of foreign and Indian origin. It was by far the longest mission placing satellites in two different orbits.

&nbsp;

This satellite in the Cartosat 2 series, which is made with the objective of providing high-resolution scene-specific spot imagery which will be used for Land Information System (LIS) as well as Geographical Information System (GIS)-based applications.&nbsp;

This satellite, weighing 710 kg, is carrying on board the state-of-art technology in terms of panchromatic (PAN) camera that take black and white pictures of the earth in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The swath covered by this high-resolution PAN camera is 9.6 km and their spatial resolution is less than 1 metre.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India&rsquo;s neighbour and arch rival Pakistan has raised questions over the usage of the satellite by India and showed its concern which is not without reason.

&nbsp;

Islamabad&rsquo;s Foreign Office spokesperson said New Delhi must refrain from putting the new satellite to military use which could create trouble in the region. He said, &ldquo;All space technologies, including earth observation satellites, are inherently dual use and can be employed for both civilian and military purposes and therefore it is essential that such pursuits are not directed towards a build-up of destabilizing military capabilities, which can negatively impact the regional strategic stability.&rdquo;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The sources say that the ability of this satellite to steer up to 45 degrees along as well as across the track, is what sets it apart from the previous in series. This ability combined with high-resolution imagery adds power to the celestial vision. Now the observatories in India need not waste time giving orbital corrections to be over the area of interest, instead, the steering itself could do the trick. In short, it implies that larger areas in real time can now be scanned, almost eliminating the shadow periods. Monitoring of missile and nuclear activities as also the terror infrastructures in Pakistan will now be under constant Indian watch by the combined surveillance of Cartosat 2, EROS A and RISAT satellites.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Cartosat-2&#39;s panchromatic camera can produce images better than 1 meter in resolution. To be precise, the resolution is .8 meters which is even better when compared to the 82 cm panchromatic resolution offered by the Ikonos satellite. India had been previously purchasing images from Ikonos at about US$20 per square kilometre; the use of Cartosat-2, now provides imagery at 20 times lower cost. At the time of Cartosat-2&#39;s launch, India was buying images worth about ₹20 crore per year from the American Ikonos operated by Digital Globe.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Today&rsquo;s launch of Cartosat 2 satellite enhances India&rsquo;s military capabilities in its space-based assets manifolds. With GSAT-7 and GSAT-6, satellites are being developed for strategic purposes. The earlier remote-sensing satellites (sub-metre resolution, matching with the best in the world) launched by ISRO as dual-purpose satellites like the technology experimental satellite (TES, 2000) and the four cartographic satellites (CARTOSAT-1, 2, 2A and 2B in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010) places itself in the elite club.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

With Israeli assistance, India has also launched two Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites called RISAT II (2009) and RISAT I (2011). These satellites visit the target area every 3-4 days. At any given moment and time there always exists surveillance over sensitive areas which has further enhanced by today&rsquo;s launch.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Cartosat 2 satellites will give images with a resolution of .8 metres, save 20 Cr INR each year and enhance India's military capabilities in the space.

Indian Space Research Organisation’s PSLV-C40 rocket carried the Cartosat 2 series satellite along with 30 other satellites of foreign and Indian origin. It was by far the longest mission placing satellites in two different orbits. This satellite in the Cartosat 2 series, which is made with the objective of providing high-resolution scene-specific spot imagery which will be used for Land Information System (LIS) as well as Geographical Information System (GIS)-based applications. This satellite, weighing 710 kg, is carrying on board the state-of-art technology in terms of panchromatic (PAN) camera that take black and white pictures of the earth in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The swath covered by this high-resolution PAN camera is 9.6 km and their spatial resolution is less than 1 metre. India’s neighbour and arch rival Pakistan has raised questions over the usage of the satellite by India and showed its concern which is not without reason. Islamabad’s Foreign Office spokesperson said New Delhi must refrain from putting the new satellite to military use which could create trouble in the region. He said, “All space technologies, including earth observation satellites, are inherently dual use and can be employed for both civilian and military purposes and therefore it is essential that such pursuits are not directed towards a build-up of destabilizing military capabilities, which can negatively impact the regional strategic stability.” The sources say that the ability of this satellite to steer up to 45 degrees along as well as across the track, is what sets it apart from the previous in series. This ability combined with high-resolution imagery adds power to the celestial vision. Now the observatories in India need not waste time giving orbital corrections to be over the area of interest, instead, the steering itself could do the trick. In short, it implies that larger areas in real time can now be scanned, almost eliminating the shadow periods. Monitoring of missile and nuclear activities as also the terror infrastructures in Pakistan will now be under constant Indian watch by the combined surveillance of Cartosat 2, EROS A and RISAT satellites. Cartosat-2's panchromatic camera can produce images better than 1 meter in resolution. To be precise, the resolution is .8 meters which is even better when compared to the 82 cm panchromatic resolution offered by the Ikonos satellite. India had been previously purchasing images from Ikonos at about US$20 per square kilometre; the use of Cartosat-2, now provides imagery at 20 times lower cost. At the time of Cartosat-2's launch, India was buying images worth about ₹20 crore per year from the American Ikonos operated by Digital Globe. Today’s launch of Cartosat 2 satellite enhances India’s military capabilities in its space-based assets manifolds. With GSAT-7 and GSAT-6, satellites are being developed for strategic purposes. The earlier remote-sensing satellites (sub-metre resolution, matching with the best in the world) launched by ISRO as dual-purpose satellites like the technology experimental satellite (TES, 2000) and the four cartographic satellites (CARTOSAT-1, 2, 2A and 2B in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010) places itself in the elite club. With Israeli assistance, India has also launched two Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites called RISAT II (2009) and RISAT I (2011). These satellites visit the target area every 3-4 days. At any given moment and time there always exists surveillance over sensitive areas which has further enhanced by today’s launch. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: ISRO satellites give India panopticon surveillance over targets

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the proven Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) after a gap of four months. The successful launch puts behind the recent failure of the PSLV. It imparts momentum to an ambitious launch schedule that hopes to meet pressing domestic demand as well as capture a better share of the global space industry.

&nbsp;

In its recent flight in August, the PSLV had failed to put into orbit the replacement satellite for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS-1A). ISRO has now successfully flight validated the rectified heat shield that had failed to separate last time. With this launch, the PSLV scores a success rate of 40 launches against 42 attempts.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The PSLV also has continued its streak of placing multiple satellites into multiple orbits by utilising the restartable fourth stage engine. This is a key requirement for the burgeoning global small satellite industry. By launching hundreds of small satellites, The NewSpace industry, with innovative business models, is offering round the clock satellite images, satellite internet, ship tracking capability etc.

&nbsp;

By innovating on the existing, proven launch vehicle and infrastructure, ISRO intends to capture a major share of this market while competing with a string of new small satellite launch vehicles emerging across the world.

&nbsp;

As India&rsquo;s Prime Minister had noted, the PSLV continues to be an attractive option for foreign satellite manufacturers and owners unfazed with the recent failure. The US had placed a restriction on its companies from contracting the PSLV. However, the companies can obtain a waiver and despite the lengthy process, the PSLV continues to be a major launch vehicle option.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

This launch is also the first of an ambitious launch schedule ISRO is aiming at for this year. It already has lined up two more PSLV launches from the first launch pad and two GSLV Mk II launches from the second launch pad. The second developmental flight of India&rsquo;s heaviest rocket GSLV Mk III will also be taking place in the coming months.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India has placed its 100th satellite in orbit but it still lacks, at least, 50 percent of the satellite capacity required for various tasks. In addition to increasing the capacity of the first launch pad, ISRO is erecting the second launch vehicle assembly centre to do 15 launches per year. Along with the development of a smaller satellite launch vehicle and the outsourcing of satellite Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT), ISRO intends to improve its satellite manufacturing and launch capacity to meet these demands.

&nbsp;

This launch also coincides with the leadership change ISRO is witnessing. K. Sivan, Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) which designs and manufactures the country&rsquo;s launch vehicles has been appointed the next Secretary of the Department of Space as well as the Chairman of the Space Commission. Given the fact that the ISRO Chairman usually simultaneously holds these two posts, he is expected to become the next Chairman. He has worked on both the PSLV and the GSLV launch vehicle programmes and can be expected to continue the momentum towards improving India&rsquo;s launch capacity.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Today&rsquo;s successful launch of the PSLV is merely the beginning of an ambitious Indian space programme that is evolving to meet the domestic development as well as the international commercial launch imperatives.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

&nbsp;

India has placed its 100th satellite in orbit but it still lacks, at least, 50 percent of the satellite capacity required for various tasks.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the proven Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) after a gap of four months. The successful launch puts behind the recent failure of the PSLV. It imparts momentum to an ambitious launch schedule that hopes to meet pressing domestic demand as well as capture a better share of the global space industry. In its recent flight in August, the PSLV had failed to put into orbit the replacement satellite for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS-1A). ISRO has now successfully flight validated the rectified heat shield that had failed to separate last time. With this launch, the PSLV scores a success rate of 40 launches against 42 attempts. The PSLV also has continued its streak of placing multiple satellites into multiple orbits by utilising the restartable fourth stage engine. This is a key requirement for the burgeoning global small satellite industry. By launching hundreds of small satellites, The NewSpace industry, with innovative business models, is offering round the clock satellite images, satellite internet, ship tracking capability etc. By innovating on the existing, proven launch vehicle and infrastructure, ISRO intends to capture a major share of this market while competing with a string of new small satellite launch vehicles emerging across the world. As India’s Prime Minister had noted, the PSLV continues to be an attractive option for foreign satellite manufacturers and owners unfazed with the recent failure. The US had placed a restriction on its companies from contracting the PSLV. However, the companies can obtain a waiver and despite the lengthy process, the PSLV continues to be a major launch vehicle option. This launch is also the first of an ambitious launch schedule ISRO is aiming at for this year. It already has lined up two more PSLV launches from the first launch pad and two GSLV Mk II launches from the second launch pad. The second developmental flight of India’s heaviest rocket GSLV Mk III will also be taking place in the coming months. India has placed its 100th satellite in orbit but it still lacks, at least, 50 percent of the satellite capacity required for various tasks. In addition to increasing the capacity of the first launch pad, ISRO is erecting the second launch vehicle assembly centre to do 15 launches per year. Along with the development of a smaller satellite launch vehicle and the outsourcing of satellite Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT), ISRO intends to improve its satellite manufacturing and launch capacity to meet these demands. This launch also coincides with the leadership change ISRO is witnessing. K. Sivan, Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) which designs and manufactures the country’s launch vehicles has been appointed the next Secretary of the Department of Space as well as the Chairman of the Space Commission. Given the fact that the ISRO Chairman usually simultaneously holds these two posts, he is expected to become the next Chairman. He has worked on both the PSLV and the GSLV launch vehicle programmes and can be expected to continue the momentum towards improving India’s launch capacity. Today’s successful launch of the PSLV is merely the beginning of an ambitious Indian space programme that is evolving to meet the domestic development as well as the international commercial launch imperatives. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Today is merely the beginning of an ambitious Indian space programme

India today reaffirmed its space prowess and commercial launch capabilities as it successfully <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isros-pslv-c40-successfully-launches-31-satellites-29295" target="_blank">launched its 100th satellite </a>along with 30 other spacecraft including weather observation Cartosat 2 series onboard the Polar rocket from here.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-you-need-to-know-about-cartosat-2-series-satellite-launched-by-isro-today-29296" target="_blank">All you need to know about Cartosat-2 series satellite launched by ISRO today</a>

This was PSLV&#39;s longest-ever mission.

With the successful launch, including 28 satellites from foreign countries, by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), ISRO put behind a rare failure it encountered four months ago.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had suffered a setback after the failure of the earlier PSLV-C39 mission in August last year.

The previous mission to launch backup navigation satellite IRNSS-1H on board PSLV-C39 had failed after the heat shield did not separate in the final leg of the launch sequence, with the satellite getting stuck in the fourth stage of the rocket.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed ISRO scientists for the successful PSLV C-40 mission.

&quot;The launch of the 100th satellite by @isro signifies both its glorious achievements and also the bright future of India&#39;s space programme,&quot; he said a tweet.

A visibly relieved ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar, on his final mission as the chief of the space agency, said he was happy to provide Cartosat 2 Series as a New Year gift for the country.

&quot;ISRO is starting 2018 with the successful launch... All satellites have been released. So far Cartosat performance is satisfactory,&quot; he said at the mission control room.

He said the previous launch faced a heat shield problem and an ISRO committee has addressed it and taken steps to ensure the vehicle was &#39;robust&#39;.

Today&#39;s mission marked a milestone in ISRO&#39;s annals with a microsatellite, among the three Indian spacecraft launched, becoming the 100th to roll out through ISRO Satellite Centre Complex (ISAC).

Besides ISRO&#39;s communication, weather observation, navigation and experimental spacecraft, the 100 satellites included nano and micro spacecraft made by educational institutions in the country, Kumar, who is retiring later this month, said.

&quot;Basically...The 100 satellites covers all student satellites also that have been put (by ISRO),&quot; he told reporters at the post-launch briefing.

Earlier, in a precise launch, PSLV-C40 lifted off at 9.28 am at the end of the 28-hour countdown from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre here, about 110 km from Chennai, and soared into a cloudy sky.

After a perfect flight sequence, each of which was applauded by ISRO scientists, the four-stage rocket first injected the 710-kg Cartosat-2 Series Satellite for earth observation into 505-km polar sun-synchronous orbit about 17 minutes after liftoff.

India&#39;s nanosatellite and 28 payloads from six countries, including the US and the UK, totally weighing 613 kg were then released into orbit one by one in a space of about seven minutes.

In a multi-orbit manoeuvre, microsatellite built by ISRO was placed in the orbit finally after the PSLV-C40 was brought down to 359.584 km in polar Sun-synchronous orbit by twice re-starting the fourth stage of the rocket, about 105 minutes after lift-off.

The fourth stage was finally shut off at about 2 hours 21 minutes, thus making the mission the longest ever by ISRO.

A similar kind of process was taken up during the launch of SCATSAT-1 onboard PSLV-C35 in September 2016 in which the fourth stage engine was restarted and later cut off for launching the satellite.

This mission had lasted two hours and 15 minutes, ISRO scientists said.

Cartosat-2 Series is an advanced remote sensing satellite similar in configuration to earlier six spacecraft in the series and intended to augment data services to the users.

Its primary objective is to provide high-resolution scene-specific spot imageries that would help in urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation, road network monitoring, water distribution and geographical information system applications among others.

The 28 international customer satellites were launched as part of the commercial arrangements between ISRO and its commercial arm Antrix Corporation Ltd.

The co-passenger satellites include three micro and 25 nano-satellites from six countries -- Canada, Finland, France, Korea, the United Kingdom and US.

According to ISRO, the Cartosat-2 series satellite carries panchromatic and multi-spectral cameras operating in Time Delay Integration mode and is capable of delivering high-resolution data.

India today reaffirmed its space prowess and commercial launch capabilities as it successfully launched its 100th satellite along with 30 other spacecraft including weather observation Cartosat 2 series onboard the Polar rocket from Sriharikota

India today reaffirmed its space prowess and commercial launch capabilities as it successfully launched its 100th satellite along with 30 other spacecraft including weather observation Cartosat 2 series onboard the Polar rocket from here. Also read: All you need to know about Cartosat-2 series satellite launched by ISRO today This was PSLV's longest-ever mission. With the successful launch, including 28 satellites from foreign countries, by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), ISRO put behind a rare failure it encountered four months ago. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had suffered a setback after the failure of the earlier PSLV-C39 mission in August last year. The previous mission to launch backup navigation satellite IRNSS-1H on board PSLV-C39 had failed after the heat shield did not separate in the final leg of the launch sequence, with the satellite getting stuck in the fourth stage of the rocket. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed ISRO scientists for the successful PSLV C-40 mission. "The launch of the 100th satellite by @isro signifies both its glorious achievements and also the bright future of India's space programme," he said a tweet. A visibly relieved ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar, on his final mission as the chief of the space agency, said he was happy to provide Cartosat 2 Series as a New Year gift for the country. "ISRO is starting 2018 with the successful launch... All satellites have been released. So far Cartosat performance is satisfactory," he said at the mission control room. He said the previous launch faced a heat shield problem and an ISRO committee has addressed it and taken steps to ensure the vehicle was 'robust'. Today's mission marked a milestone in ISRO's annals with a microsatellite, among the three Indian spacecraft launched, becoming the 100th to roll out through ISRO Satellite Centre Complex (ISAC). Besides ISRO's communication, weather observation, navigation and experimental spacecraft, the 100 satellites included nano and micro spacecraft made by educational institutions in the country, Kumar, who is retiring later this month, said. "Basically...The 100 satellites covers all student satellites also that have been put (by ISRO)," he told reporters at the post-launch briefing. Earlier, in a precise launch, PSLV-C40 lifted off at 9.28 am at the end of the 28-hour countdown from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre here, about 110 km from Chennai, and soared into a cloudy sky. After a perfect flight sequence, each of which was applauded by ISRO scientists, the four-stage rocket first injected the 710-kg Cartosat-2 Series Satellite for earth observation into 505-km polar sun-synchronous orbit about 17 minutes after liftoff. India's nanosatellite and 28 payloads from six countries, including the US and the UK, totally weighing 613 kg were then released into orbit one by one in a space of about seven minutes. In a multi-orbit manoeuvre, microsatellite built by ISRO was placed in the orbit finally after the PSLV-C40 was brought down to 359.584 km in polar Sun-synchronous orbit by twice re-starting the fourth stage of the rocket, about 105 minutes after lift-off. The fourth stage was finally shut off at about 2 hours 21 minutes, thus making the mission the longest ever by ISRO. A similar kind of process was taken up during the launch of SCATSAT-1 onboard PSLV-C35 in September 2016 in which the fourth stage engine was restarted and later cut off for launching the satellite. This mission had lasted two hours and 15 minutes, ISRO scientists said. Cartosat-2 Series is an advanced remote sensing satellite similar in configuration to earlier six spacecraft in the series and intended to augment data services to the users. Its primary objective is to provide high-resolution scene-specific spot imageries that would help in urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation, road network monitoring, water distribution and geographical information system applications among others. The 28 international customer satellites were launched as part of the commercial arrangements between ISRO and its commercial arm Antrix Corporation Ltd. The co-passenger satellites include three micro and 25 nano-satellites from six countries -- Canada, Finland, France, Korea, the United Kingdom and US. According to ISRO, the Cartosat-2 series satellite carries panchromatic and multi-spectral cameras operating in Time Delay Integration mode and is capable of delivering high-resolution data.

India sends its 100th satellite into space to watch borders

When Dr Vikram Sarabhai established ISRO in 1969, he had a vision in mind. The organisation must grow and stand ahead of many world superpowers. Today at 9:58 am with the launch of its 100th satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sri Harikota, India became the only developing country to be part of a centurion&rsquo;s club. The PSLV-C-40 Rocket of ISRO placed a total of 31 satellites and a payload of over 1323 Kilograms in a polar sun-synchronous orbit.

&nbsp;

This launch was unique. All the 31 satellites were not launched together. The first satellite was placed in an orbit 359 Km above the earth while other 30 satellites were placed in a 550 Km high orbit. It involved two stages and both successful. It proves that the Indian scientists are still carrying the lineages of Varahmihir, Aryabhatta and many others who placed India as a &ldquo;Vishwaguru&rdquo; or the teacher of the world once upon a time.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

ISRO is, technically, the youngest of the top 5 space organisations. It faced serious setbacks due to restrictions but, nevertheless, succeeded in catapulting India among the top 5 space powers of the world. And the reason to rejoice is that this entire success is attributable to our sheer hard work and no other country had been involved in this success. We developed everything at our own from scratch and the result is astounding. That&rsquo;s the beauty of our technology.

&nbsp;

The journey of satellite launch with ISRO which started with the launch of a small 35 Kg Rohini I satellite through Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) in 1980 which is now grown to a capacity of 4 Tonnes with GSLV MK III in just 30 years. The variety of satellites also progressed with time.&nbsp; Rohini-I had just simple remote sensing capability while modern day Cartosat-2 which can provide crystal clear images of less than 1-meter resolution. We are launching satellites in multiple orbits with the use of a single launch vehicle.

Today Indian scientists are experts in the technology of multiple burns which is switching on and switching off the Rocket&rsquo;s engine multiple times to control its height. Everything was controlled remotely with the precision of a nuclear clock.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

ISRO&rsquo;s Workhorse PSLV has proved its mettle once again. PSLV has the lowest failure rate and out of its 42 launches, only two have failed. This is the reason why the countries who used to send Indian satellites in the space a few decades back are now relying on ISRO to send their satellites in the space due to the accuracy and low error probability of Indian technology. It has the rare distinction to launch Chandrayan I and Mangalyaan too.

&nbsp;

Earlier Launch vehicles did not have such brilliant success ratio. We have grown from 50% of SLV and ASLV to 95% of PSLV and now the future of ISRO is visible in GSLV Mk III with 100% success rate till now.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Today India boasts its own Global Positioning System (NAViC) run through IRNSS Satellites which is unique in the world and can deliver good results even if one of the desired satellite is out of communication.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The future of the Indian Technology is seen clearly. It is helping the country in various applications. We are able to excel in defence, communications, remote sensing, agriculture, disaster management, education, surveys, broadcast and many other fields of life. We are creating examples for other countries as to how they can better use their talent. We are truly moving ahead to be a &ldquo;Vishwaguru&rdquo; once again.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Countries who used to send Indian satellites in the space a few decades back are now relying on ISRO to send their satellites in the space due to the accuracy and low error probability of Indian technology.

When Dr Vikram Sarabhai established ISRO in 1969, he had a vision in mind. The organisation must grow and stand ahead of many world superpowers. Today at 9:58 am with the launch of its 100th satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sri Harikota, India became the only developing country to be part of a centurion’s club. The PSLV-C-40 Rocket of ISRO placed a total of 31 satellites and a payload of over 1323 Kilograms in a polar sun-synchronous orbit. This launch was unique. All the 31 satellites were not launched together. The first satellite was placed in an orbit 359 Km above the earth while other 30 satellites were placed in a 550 Km high orbit. It involved two stages and both successful. It proves that the Indian scientists are still carrying the lineages of Varahmihir, Aryabhatta and many others who placed India as a “Vishwaguru” or the teacher of the world once upon a time. ISRO is, technically, the youngest of the top 5 space organisations. It faced serious setbacks due to restrictions but, nevertheless, succeeded in catapulting India among the top 5 space powers of the world. And the reason to rejoice is that this entire success is attributable to our sheer hard work and no other country had been involved in this success. We developed everything at our own from scratch and the result is astounding. That’s the beauty of our technology. The journey of satellite launch with ISRO which started with the launch of a small 35 Kg Rohini I satellite through Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) in 1980 which is now grown to a capacity of 4 Tonnes with GSLV MK III in just 30 years. The variety of satellites also progressed with time. Rohini-I had just simple remote sensing capability while modern day Cartosat-2 which can provide crystal clear images of less than 1-meter resolution. We are launching satellites in multiple orbits with the use of a single launch vehicle. Today Indian scientists are experts in the technology of multiple burns which is switching on and switching off the Rocket’s engine multiple times to control its height. Everything was controlled remotely with the precision of a nuclear clock. ISRO’s Workhorse PSLV has proved its mettle once again. PSLV has the lowest failure rate and out of its 42 launches, only two have failed. This is the reason why the countries who used to send Indian satellites in the space a few decades back are now relying on ISRO to send their satellites in the space due to the accuracy and low error probability of Indian technology. It has the rare distinction to launch Chandrayan I and Mangalyaan too. Earlier Launch vehicles did not have such brilliant success ratio. We have grown from 50% of SLV and ASLV to 95% of PSLV and now the future of ISRO is visible in GSLV Mk III with 100% success rate till now. Today India boasts its own Global Positioning System (NAViC) run through IRNSS Satellites which is unique in the world and can deliver good results even if one of the desired satellite is out of communication. The future of the Indian Technology is seen clearly. It is helping the country in various applications. We are able to excel in defence, communications, remote sensing, agriculture, disaster management, education, surveys, broadcast and many other fields of life. We are creating examples for other countries as to how they can better use their talent. We are truly moving ahead to be a “Vishwaguru” once again. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: With 100th satellite in orbit, ISRO is making India “Vishwaguru” again

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday launched a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) with 31 satellites, including three Indian and 28 of six other nations from its spaceport Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

Shortly after lift-off, ISRO said that PSLV-C40 successfully placed weather observation <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-you-need-to-know-about-cartosat-2-series-satellite-launched-by-isro-today-29296">Cartosat-2 series satellite</a> into sun synchronous orbit.

&quot;During the last PSLV launch we had problems, today what has happened proves that the problem was properly addressed and rectified. Happy to give this new year gift to the country,&quot; ISRO chief AS Kiran Rao said afte the launch.

The 44.4-metre tall PSLV-C40 roared into a clear sky after a perfect lift-off at 9.29am after a 28-hour countdown and placed the satellites into orbit after seventeen and a half minutes.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-satellite-launch-live-india-to-launch-100th-satellite-today-29290">Also Read: How the satellite launch happened</a>

This was the 42nd mission of ISRO&#39;s trusted workhorse PSLV-C40 and 100th satellite launch from ISRO.

The co-passenger satellites comprise one micro and nano satellite each from India as well as three micro and 25 nanosatellites from six countries - Canada, Finland, France, Korea, the United Kingdom and United States of America.

The total weight of all the 31 satellites carried on-board PSLV-C40 is about 1,323 kg.

The 28 international customer satellites were launched as part of the commercial arrangements between ISRO and its commercial arm &#39;Antrix Corporation Ltd&#39;.

According to ISRO, the Cartosat-2 series satellite launch is a follow-on mission with the primary objective of providing high resolution scene specific spot imageries.

This was the first launch for ISRO in 2018 following the unsuccessful mission of navigation satellite IRNSS-1H last year.

On August 31, 2017 India&#39;s mission to launch its backup navigation satellite IRNSS-1H on board PSLV-C39 failed after the heat shield did not separate in the final leg of the launch sequence and as a result, the satellite IRNSS-1H got stuck in the fourth stage of the rocket.

(With inputs from agencies)

This was the 42nd mission of ISRO's trusted workhorse PSLV-C40 and 100th satellite launch from ISRO.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday launched a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) with 31 satellites, including three Indian and 28 of six other nations from its spaceport Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. Shortly after lift-off, ISRO said that PSLV-C40 successfully placed weather observation Cartosat-2 series satellite into sun synchronous orbit. "During the last PSLV launch we had problems, today what has happened proves that the problem was properly addressed and rectified. Happy to give this new year gift to the country," ISRO chief AS Kiran Rao said afte the launch. The 44.4-metre tall PSLV-C40 roared into a clear sky after a perfect lift-off at 9.29am after a 28-hour countdown and placed the satellites into orbit after seventeen and a half minutes. Also Read: How the satellite launch happened This was the 42nd mission of ISRO's trusted workhorse PSLV-C40 and 100th satellite launch from ISRO. The co-passenger satellites comprise one micro and nano satellite each from India as well as three micro and 25 nanosatellites from six countries - Canada, Finland, France, Korea, the United Kingdom and United States of America. The total weight of all the 31 satellites carried on-board PSLV-C40 is about 1,323 kg. The 28 international customer satellites were launched as part of the commercial arrangements between ISRO and its commercial arm 'Antrix Corporation Ltd'. According to ISRO, the Cartosat-2 series satellite launch is a follow-on mission with the primary objective of providing high resolution scene specific spot imageries. This was the first launch for ISRO in 2018 following the unsuccessful mission of navigation satellite IRNSS-1H last year. On August 31, 2017 India's mission to launch its backup navigation satellite IRNSS-1H on board PSLV-C39 failed after the heat shield did not separate in the final leg of the launch sequence and as a result, the satellite IRNSS-1H got stuck in the fourth stage of the rocket. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: ISRO's PSLV-C40 successfully launches 31 satellites from Sriharikota

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday launched Earth observation <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isros-pslv-c40-successfully-launches-31-satellites-29295">Cartosat-2 series satellite</a> from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. It was successfully placed into orbit shortly after the launch.

This satellite is the seventh remote sensing satellite in its series and has the mission life of five years.

It carries panchromatic and multi-spectral cameras operating in Time Delay Integration mode and is capable of delivering high resolution data. It will be the third satellite in the Cartosat-2 series.

According to ISRO, the Cartosat-2 series satellite launch is a follow-on mission with the primary objective of providing high resolution scene specific spot imageries.

ISRO had successfully launched Cartosat-2 Series satellite on June 22, 2016. It is similar to the earlier Cartosat-2, 2A and 2B.

The images sent by Cartosat-2 series satellite will be useful in monitoring urban and rural applications, coastal land use regulation, managing services like road networks and water distribution, detecting changes in geographical features and creation of land use maps.

The flight was the first since the setback suffered by the PSLV in August last and demonstrated that the workhorse rocket is back in the game for reliable satellite launches in the low earth and polar orbits.

According to ISRO, the Cartosat-2 series satellite launch is a follow-on mission with the primary objective of providing high resolution scene specific spot imageries.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday launched Earth observation Cartosat-2 series satellite from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. It was successfully placed into orbit shortly after the launch. This satellite is the seventh remote sensing satellite in its series and has the mission life of five years. It carries panchromatic and multi-spectral cameras operating in Time Delay Integration mode and is capable of delivering high resolution data. It will be the third satellite in the Cartosat-2 series. According to ISRO, the Cartosat-2 series satellite launch is a follow-on mission with the primary objective of providing high resolution scene specific spot imageries. ISRO had successfully launched Cartosat-2 Series satellite on June 22, 2016. It is similar to the earlier Cartosat-2, 2A and 2B. The images sent by Cartosat-2 series satellite will be useful in monitoring urban and rural applications, coastal land use regulation, managing services like road networks and water distribution, detecting changes in geographical features and creation of land use maps. The flight was the first since the setback suffered by the PSLV in August last and demonstrated that the workhorse rocket is back in the game for reliable satellite launches in the low earth and polar orbits.

All you need to know about Cartosat-2 series satellite launched by ISRO today

India is all set to launch its 100th satellite &#39;Cartosat-2 Series&#39; from Andhra Pradesh&#39;s Sriharikota today.

The launch is set for 9:28am on Friday at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.&nbsp;

The final 28-hour countdown of the PSLV-C40 mission began at 5:29am on Thursday after getting a nod from ISRO&#39;s Mission Readiness Review Committee and Launch Authorization Board on Wednesday.

This mission is said to be the longest - comprising of four stages of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), at two hours, 21 minutes and 62 seconds.&nbsp;

Minister of State for Prime Minister&#39;s Office Jitendra Singh said, &quot;It is a historic day for us and a great headway for India.&quot;

&quot;Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arranged a brainstorming session between space scientists and officials from different government departments so that they could understand the diverse applications of space technology in transforming India,&quot; he added.

The &#39;Cartosat-2 Series&#39; satellite and 29 others will be inserted into a 505-kilometre sun-synchronous orbit after about seventeen and a half minutes from&nbsp;liftoff.

Later, the payload Microsat developed by the ISRO will be taken down to a lower orbit at 359-kilometre height and launched using the &#39;multiple engine switch-on&#39; method.

This launch will also see ISRO taking a shot at a two-orbit feat, which can be tricky, for the second time.&nbsp;

The 100kg Indian microsatellite will show new technology which will allow image capturing at night.

Its uses include monitoring urban and rural applications, coastal land use regulation, managing services like road networks and water distribution, detecting changes in geographical features and creation of land use maps.

This is also the first mission after the previous one failed due to heat shield malfunction in&nbsp;August 31, 2017.&nbsp;

The launch is set for 9:28am on Friday at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota

India is all set to launch its 100th satellite 'Cartosat-2 Series' from Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota today. The launch is set for 9:28am on Friday at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The final 28-hour countdown of the PSLV-C40 mission began at 5:29am on Thursday after getting a nod from ISRO's Mission Readiness Review Committee and Launch Authorization Board on Wednesday. This mission is said to be the longest - comprising of four stages of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), at two hours, 21 minutes and 62 seconds. Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh said, "It is a historic day for us and a great headway for India." "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arranged a brainstorming session between space scientists and officials from different government departments so that they could understand the diverse applications of space technology in transforming India," he added. The 'Cartosat-2 Series' satellite and 29 others will be inserted into a 505-kilometre sun-synchronous orbit after about seventeen and a half minutes from liftoff. Later, the payload Microsat developed by the ISRO will be taken down to a lower orbit at 359-kilometre height and launched using the 'multiple engine switch-on' method. This launch will also see ISRO taking a shot at a two-orbit feat, which can be tricky, for the second time. The 100kg Indian microsatellite will show new technology which will allow image capturing at night. Its uses include monitoring urban and rural applications, coastal land use regulation, managing services like road networks and water distribution, detecting changes in geographical features and creation of land use maps. This is also the first mission after the previous one failed due to heat shield malfunction in August 31, 2017.

Countdown begins as ISRO gets set to launch 100th satellite today

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today set the countdown for rocket launch on Friday.&nbsp;

The space organization is set to launch 31 satellites on Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) on Friday morning from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, near Chennai.

31 spacecraft, including weather observation Cartosat-2 series satellite, will be launched by PSLV-C40.

&quot;The 28-hour countdown began at 5.29 a.m. in the mission control here for the rocket launch at 9.28 a.m. on Friday,&quot; ISRO said, adding, &quot;the propellant filling operation of fourth stage of PSLV-C40 is under progress.&quot;

The PSLV&nbsp;will be carrying 28&nbsp;satellites belonging to six countries namely the US, UK, France, Canada, Finland and South Korea. There are three Indian satellites as well.

ISRO had said earlier that it was &quot;back in the game&quot; with the launch after the unsuccessful launch of the navigation satellite IRNSS-1H in August last year.

On August 31, India&#39;s mission to launch its backup navigation satellite IRNSS-1H on board PSLV-C39 failed after a technical fault on the final leg following a perfect launch.

PSLV-C40 will launch the 710 kg Cartosat-2 series satellite for earth observation, the total weight of all the 31 satellites carried on board PSLV-C40 will be around 1,323 kgs.

31 spacecraft, including weather observation Cartosat-2 series satellite, will be launched by PSLV-C40.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today set the countdown for rocket launch on Friday. The space organization is set to launch 31 satellites on Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) on Friday morning from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, near Chennai. 31 spacecraft, including weather observation Cartosat-2 series satellite, will be launched by PSLV-C40. "The 28-hour countdown began at 5.29 a.m. in the mission control here for the rocket launch at 9.28 a.m. on Friday," ISRO said, adding, "the propellant filling operation of fourth stage of PSLV-C40 is under progress." The PSLV will be carrying 28 satellites belonging to six countries namely the US, UK, France, Canada, Finland and South Korea. There are three Indian satellites as well. ISRO had said earlier that it was "back in the game" with the launch after the unsuccessful launch of the navigation satellite IRNSS-1H in August last year. On August 31, India's mission to launch its backup navigation satellite IRNSS-1H on board PSLV-C39 failed after a technical fault on the final leg following a perfect launch. PSLV-C40 will launch the 710 kg Cartosat-2 series satellite for earth observation, the total weight of all the 31 satellites carried on board PSLV-C40 will be around 1,323 kgs.

ISRO begins countdown for satellite launch

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