India Imaging Satellite Cleared for Launch
Published by The Indian Space Research Organisation’s Launch Authorisation Board has cleared a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for launch on Thursday carrying India’s Radar Imaging Satellite-1 (RISAT-1).
The 71-hour countdown started on Monday. During the countdown, propellant-filling operations of the PSLV’s liquid-fuel second stage and fourth stage will be carried out. Readiness of various ground systems such as tracking radar systems and communication networks will also be checked.
The PSLV will release RISAT-1 into an orbit 298 miles above Earth at an inclination of 97.5 degrees. The satellite will be put in its final orbit at 333 miles using thrusters onboard the satellite.
RISAT is a microwave remote sensing satellite carrying a Synthetic Aperture Radar. The satellite weighs approximately 4,078 pounds.
The launch will take place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.
In December 2010, India announced plans to launch no less than 30 Earth imaging satellites over the next decade.
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