On the reason for delay of PSLV-C45 launch, ISRO chairman K Sivan told TOI on March 4 that it is based on internal system readiness and other technical factors. Earlier it was planned for launch on March 21, but delayed

KOCHI: ISRO is now set for the launch of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C45 on April 1. This PSLV will be ISRO’s first three-orbit mission that will launch satellites in three different orbits. It is set to launch the advanced electronic intelligence satellite EMISAT with 28 commercial satellites. Earlier it was planned for launch on March 21.

On the reason for delay of PSLV-C45 launch, ISRO chairman K Sivan told TOI on March 4 that it is based on internal system readiness and other technical factors. “This PSLV-C45 is the first three-orbit mission of ISRO and the first to use solar panel in rocket fourth stage (PS4). Aim is to ensure system readiness for a perfect launch, so the delay. Now the launch is set for April 1,” Sivan said. Second moon mission Chandrayaan-2 on board GSLV-MK III rocket is planned for launch by April end, he said.

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) director S Somanath also confirmed that the next PSLV-C45 launch is slated for April 1. The delay forms part of system readiness and internal checks, he said.

“So far, PSLV launched satellites in two different orbits. This PSLV will be a special launch as it will launch satellites in three different orbits. After launch of electronic intelligence satellite EMISAT into orbit at 780 km, it will inject 28 guest satellites into orbit at 504 km. Then rocket fourth stage (PS4) instead of burning out, will automatically reorient itself to establish an orbital platform at 485 km orbit to carry out scientific experiments,” Somanath told TOI. It will have a small satellite developed by Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) to carry out scientific experiments on micro-gravity and will be in orbit for six months.

Following that, PSLV-C46 is set to launch earth observation satellite CARTOSAT-3 and PSLV-C47 mission for launch of RISAT 2BR 1, a Radar Imaging Satellite for reconnaissance and strategic surveillance. Dates for these launches are yet to be finalised.

Normally, PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages. This PSLV-C45 mission is unique as it is the first PSLV fourth stage that uses solar panels for required thrust, he said.