PSLV-C44 successfully launches Microsat-R and Kalamsat-V2

Microsat-R and Kalamsat-V2Satellitesweresuccessfully injected into their designated orbits byIndia’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C44), whichlifted off at 23:37 Hrs (IST) on 24 January 2019 from the First Launch Pad at SatishDhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota in its 46^thflight.

• Microsat-R was successfully injected into intended orbit of 274 km about 13 minutes 26 seconds after lift-off.
• Two solar arrays of the satellite were deployed automatically after injection and ISRO Telemetry Tracking & Command Network (ISTRAC) at Bengaluru assumed control of the satellite.
• Microsat-R and its payload, meant for military use, come assembled from a handful of laboratories of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Subsequently, the fourth stage (PS4) of the vehicle was moved to a higher circular orbit of 453 km after two restarts of the stage, to establish an orbital platform for carrying out experiments.
• Kalamsat-V2 is asatellitebuilt by India’s talented students and first to use PS4 as an orbital platform that was taken to its designated orbit about 1 hour and 40 minutes after lift-off.
• This flight also marked the first mission of PSLV-DL, a new variant of PSLV with two strap-on motors.
• In the previous PSLV launch on 29 November 2018, PSLV-C43 had successfully launched India’s HysIS as well as 30 customer satellites from abroad.

Dr K Sivan, ChairmanISROin his post-launch addresssaid that the PSLV-C44 mission was unique as it was for the first time ISRO used the last stage of the rocket as a platform to perform experiments in space, and added,

“I hope the student community will make use of this opportunity being provided by ISRO. This new low cost technology will help students to conduct several inspiring experiments in space by attaching their instruments to the last stage of the rocket”.

Congratulating Kalamsat-V2 team for their perfection in making satellitesDr Sivan said, “We must strive for science-oriented India. ISRO is open to all students across India. We want students to bring their satellites to us and we will launch them. Young scientists will shape the future of India”.

Samwad with Students (SwS), its 3^rd edition, in Sriharikota was also held on 24 January wherein Dr Sivan interacted with over 300students from schools in and around the region.

SwS, the newly-launched outreach initiative of ISRO to instil scientific temper among youngsters, held its 1^stedition in Bengaluru on 1 January 2019 and the 2^ndat Kochi on January 20, 2019.