ISRO's PSLV C-34 puts record 20 satellites in orbit

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today set a new record by launching 20 satellites, including India's Cartosat-2 series and several other foreign satellites. The launch of PSLV-C34/Cartosat-2 series satellite mission took place at 9.26 AM at the second launch pad from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharkota.

India's most trusted work horse PSLV, in its 36th flight (PSLV-C34), will carry and put the 727.5 kg Cartosat-2 series satellite for earth observation and 19 co-passenger satellites weighing about 560 kg at lift–off into the required orbit. 

According to a senior ISRO spokesperson, apart from Cartosat, the co-passenger satellites are from USA, Canada, Germany and Indonesia as well as two satellites from Indian University/Academic Institute. The total weight



of all the 20 satellites onboard PSLV-C34 is about 1,288 kg.

This satellite is similar to the earlier Cartosat-2, 2A and 2B. After its injection into a 505 km polar Sun Synchronous Orbit by PSLV-C34, the satellite will be brought to operational configuration following which it will begin providing regular remote sensing services using Panchromatic and Multispectral cameras.

The imagery sent by the satellite will be useful for cartographic applications, urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation, utility management like road network monitoring, water distribution, creation of land-use maps, precision study, change detection to bring out geographical and man-made features and various othe Land Information System and Geographical Information System appliations.