Will PSLV Achieve Its 63rd Launch with Earth Observation Satellite-09 on May 18?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The PSLV-C61 will launch EOS-09 on May 18.
- EOS-09 is India's 101st satellite.
- The satellite weighs 1,710 kg and will be placed in a sun-synchronous orbit.
- EOS-09 is equipped with advanced radar technology for all-weather observation.
- The mission emphasizes responsible space operations.
New Delhi, May 16 (NationPress) The homegrown PSLV, or Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, is poised for its 63rd launch with the Earth Observation Satellite-09 (EOS-09) on May 18, as confirmed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan on Friday.
Narayanan remarked that EOS-09 will be the 101st satellite launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
“At 5:59 am, we have scheduled India's 101st launch. The PSLV-C61 rocket will carry the Earth Observation Satellite-09,” Narayanan stated while addressing reporters at the Tirumala temple, where he and a team of scientists offered prayers to Lord Venkateswara.
“As you may know, India's space journey commenced in 1962, and we are now approaching its 63rd anniversary. This marks the 63rd launch of the PSLV. The Earth Observation Satellite will benefit the country in numerous sectors. It is an all-weather satellite, capable of capturing Earth observation data irrespective of clouds or rain,” said the esteemed scientist.
The EOS-09 is crafted to deliver continuous and reliable remote sensing data for practical applications across a variety of fields, including border security, national defense, agriculture, forestry, flood monitoring, and disaster management.
In a recent video shared on X, ISRO revealed that the PSLV-C61 rocket has been moved to the Mobile Service Tower at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota for final assembly and checks prior to its planned launch.
For the EOS-09 mission, the PSLV will transport a 1,710 kg satellite into a sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring consistent lighting for Earth observation.
The PSLV-C61 configuration is specifically designed for this heavy payload, showcasing the rocket's versatility.
Equipped with an advanced C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR), EOS-09 can capture high-resolution images of the Earth's surface during day or night, regardless of weather.
ISRO noted that the mission will position the EOS-09 into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO).
Once EOS-09 is deployed, Orbit Change Thrusters (OCT) will be utilized to lower the altitude of the PS4 stage, followed by passivation to minimize its orbital lifespan, a measure aligned with responsible space operations.