The 22-Hour Countdown For The PSLV C-61 Rocket Begins Today

The rocket’s last stage, the 22-hour timer, starts at 7:59 a.m. today.

With a lifespan of five years, the 1,696.24 kg EOS-09 was created by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for Earth observation.

It was captured during the Satishthavan Space Research Center’s inaugural rocket launch in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Tomorrow, Sunday, the C-61 rocket will take off at 5:59 a.m. The rocket is refueled with both liquid and solid fuel.

According to ISRO, experts are closely observing the rocket’s and the satellite’s operations as the rocket’s penultimate phase, the 22-hour countdown, starts at 7.59 am today.

EOS-09 (RISAT-1B), What is it

The PSLV-C61 rocket will transport EOS-09, also called RISAT-1B, a 1,696-kilogram next-generation Earth observation satellite. The satellite’s ability to deliver high-resolution, all-weather imagery of the Earth’s surface is essential for a variety of uses, such as national security, forestry, agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management. With its deployment, EOS-09 will greatly improve India’s capacity for remote sensing by joining the nation’s expanding fleet of Earth observation satellites, which already includes Resourcesat, Cartosat, and RISAT-2B.

Plan of Launch

In around 17 minutes, the PSLV-C61 will finish its mission and launch the satellite into Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO). Orbit Change Thrusters (OCTs) will be utilized to fine-tune the satellite’s orbit following separation. In addition to the anticipated five-year mission life of EOS-09, ISRO has also devised a controlled de-orbiting procedure to guarantee that the satellite safely burns up in Earth’s atmosphere at the end of its operational life, minimizing space debris and promoting sustainable space activities.

The life of a mission

ISRO claims that the EOS-09 satellite continues the EOS-04 mission, which was launched in 2022, and serves as a successor to RISAT-1. India’s space-based Earth monitoring programs are considering the satellite’s capabilities as a strategic advantage, despite the fact that it was constructed prior to this year. Since the satellite will offer real-time, 24/7 imaging, it will be an essential tool for both researchers and government organizations.

As excitement for the launch grows, ISRO has advised viewers to follow official channels for information, photos, and live coverage. India’s program for remote sensing and space-based Earth observation is about to advance significantly with EOS-09.