Hello- It got more crowded up there today with this successful double launch.
The Indian Satellite Research Organization (ISRO) today successfully launched two remote sensing satellites from Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
ISRO announced that the two satellites, CARTOSAT-1 and HAMSAT were "successfully" placed into the orbit at an altitude of 632 x 621 km with an inclination of 97.8 deg in relation to the equator.
ISRO chief G Madhavan Nair announced that the launch was a "highly heartening mission."
His comments came after cloudy weather had played spoilsport with the countdown a number of times during the last two days. “We had two days of thunderstorm activities resulting in some loss of time in the countdown. The launch vehicle was exposed to sun, rain and winds. But, our boys have really done a fantastic job." he said complimenting the scientists on a job well done.
"It is extremely happy occasion for all of us. This is the 20th launch of a satellite-taking place from this island and the first from the second launch pad. We were working against all odds," Nair added.
The 1560 kg Cartosat has a mission life of five years and will mainly be focusing on cartographic applications. It will also provide enhanced inputs for large scale mapping applications besides simulatating new applications in the urban and rural development. Cartosat is also expected to serve as an important tool in land and water resources management as well as environment impact assessment.
The HAMSAT weighs a paltry 42.5 kg and is expected to provide a fillip to Amateur Radio Operators in the South Asian region by expanding the existing bandwidth. The Hamsat has a life of two years. It is intended to help in emergency communications during the time of natural disasters.
President A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have congratulated the scientists on the successful launch.
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