India on Thursday launched two sophisticated satellites on an indigenously built rocket as part of its expanding space programme.
The satellites put into space were the 1,560-kg CARTOSAT-1, India’s largest remote sensing satellite designed specially for mapping, and HAMSAT, a lighter 42.5-kg micro-satellite meant to help amateur radio operators across South Asia.
Watched by an audience that included President APJ Abdul Kalam, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C6 rocket carrying the satellites blasted off at around 10.30 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
This was the first time that the Indian Space Research Organisation launched two satellites using an indigenous rocket. It had earlier used Russian cryogenic systems in its rockets.
CARTOSAT-1 carries two panchromatic cameras that will give black and white 3-D pictures. It has a life of five years. Photographs from the cameras will generate spatial maps that will be used for large-scale environmental studies and for urban and rural planning. They are capable of capturing objects as small as 2.5 metres.
HAMSAT, which has a life of two years, will provide free UHF/VHF frequencies across South Asia for amateur radio operators, who play a key role in communications during disasters and emergencies.
SMART BOX
Cutting edge
For the first time, two satellites launched using locally made rocket
SMART BOX
Cutting edge
For the first time, two satellites launched using locally made rocket
• CARTOSAT-1: India’s largest remote sensing satellite designed for mapping; has a life span of 5 years
• HAMSAT: A micro-satellite meant to help amateur radio operators across South Asia; has a life span of 2 years
• SIGNIFICANCE: It signals an advanced effort by India to get into the lucrative business of satellite launch