Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh): Marking ISRO’s maiden collaboration with NASA, a GSLV rocket on Wednesday blasted off from this spaceport to place the NISAR earth observation satellite, jointly developed by the two space agencies, in an intended orbit.
The 51.7 metre tall three stage GSLV F-16 rocket soared into the skies at the end of a 27.30 hour countdown, carrying the 2,393 kg satellite. The launch vehicle majestically lifted off from the second launch pad at this spaceport, situated about 135 km east of Chennai.
The GSLV rocket is slated to place the satellite in the Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit after a near 19-minute journey, and at an altitude of 745 km.
“Liftoff. And we have liftoff! GSLV-F16 has successfully launched with NISAR onboard,” ISRO’s handle posted on X.
ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan said the launch would be a big step forward in India assuming a leadership role in satellite technology.
“From that humble beginning (the launch of India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, with Russia’s support, in 1975) when India relied on other nations for satellite technology, we are now gradually occupying a leadership role… Today, two great countries have built an important satellite together, and I’m extremely happy that it will be launched by our vehicle from Indian soil,” Narayanan said.
