HomeBREAKING NEWSISRO Set for 101st Mission: Countdown for launch of PSLV-C61 mission begins

ISRO Set for 101st Mission: Countdown for launch of PSLV-C61 mission begins

Published on

Sriharikota: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has begun a 22-hour countdown for the launch of its Earth observation satellite aboard a PSLV rocket, officials confirmed on Saturday.

The PSLV-C61 is set for lift-off at 5:59 a.m. on May 18 from the first launch pad at the Sriharikota spaceport. This will mark ISRO’s 101st mission overall and the 63rd flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

“The countdown began at 7:59 a.m. on Saturday and will run for 22 hours,” sources told PTI.

The mission’s primary payload is the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-09 (also known as RISAT-1B), designed to deliver high-resolution images of Earth’s surface in all weather conditions, day and night. This continuous imaging capability is essential for sectors such as agriculture, forest monitoring, disaster management, urban development, and national security.

EOS-09 weighs approximately 1,696.24 kg and will join India’s existing constellation of Earth observation satellites. It is intended to enhance real-time coverage across the nation’s diverse geographical regions.

The satellite is a follow-up to RISAT-1 and mirrors much of its configuration. It complements the data from existing satellites in the Resourcesat, Cartosat, and RISAT-2B series. EOS-09 also serves as a repeat version of EOS-04, launched in 2022, with the goal of providing consistent remote sensing data to support operational applications and increase observation frequency.

Following a flight lasting about 17 minutes, PSLV-C61 will deploy EOS-09 into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO). After deployment, ISRO scientists plan to use the rocket’s Orbit Change Thrusters (OCT) to lower the satellite’s altitude to a more optimal orbit.

EOS-09 is expected to operate for a mission life of five years. To ensure a responsible end-of-life process, the satellite carries enough fuel to be de-orbited after its operational life ends. It will be guided to a lower orbit where it will safely decay within two years, helping to maintain a space debris-free environment.

Get Latest News Live on MTIMES along with Breaking News and Top Headlines, Political News and around The World.

You May Like

Trending Searches Today |

Watch Raid 2 Trailer: Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh Set For Epic

Bestseller #1
  • WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: Features Bluetooth technology for seamless wireless connection with OnePlus smartphones and other…
  • NECKBAND DESIGN: Ergonomic and flexible neckband style with red accent cables provides comfortable, all-day wearing expe…
  • CONTROLS: Convenient built-in buttons for volume adjustment, track control, and call management on the neckband
Bestseller #2
  • ⚡【Ultra Low 30ms Latency】Dedicated Game Mode for a fully synchronized audio and video experience for seamless gameplay. …
  • 🌈【RGB Colorful Light】The Specially Designed RGB Colorful breathing Light Can highlight the gaming atmosphere. When you o…
  • 🎶【TWS 13.4mm Grephene Driver】True Wireless Earbuds Enhanced Bass Stereo Sound Powered By 13.4mm Large Audio Driver Deliv…
Bestseller #3
  • STATE OF THE ART EARPHONES DESIGN. Workout sweatproof Bluetooth headphones. Great for Running, Jogging, Hiking, Biking, …
  • SUPERB SOUND headset and Bluetooth V4. 1+EDR for stereo sound and superb bass sound. Clear high and low sound. Wireless …
  • UP TO 8 HOURS Music playing for full battery charge. Super quick charge time with full charge light indication. The head…

Share Market

Indian Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty End Lower, Market Under Pressure

Indian stock market today ended lower as Sensex fell 307 points and Nifty lost 95 points, while Adani stocks faced sharp selling pressure.

Sensex Nifty Today: Markets Fall on Iran Tensions

Sensex and Nifty closed lower as Iran tensions rattled markets. Check closing levels, key support, resistance and what investors should watch.

More like this

Janmashtami 2026: President Droupadi Murmu and Speaker Om Birla Extend Greetings to People

Janmashtami 2026 greetings from Droupadi Murmu and Om Birla highlighted Lord Krishna’s teachings on truth, duty, righteousness and harmony.

Malkangiri Malaria Cases Rise, 7,239 Reported in 7 Months

Malkangiri malaria cases reached 7,239 in seven months, including 2,816 in July. A state team will review prevention and treatment efforts.

Mumbai to Get New-Generation Local Trains With Auto Doors

Mumbai suburban trains will get new-generation AC locals with automatic doors as Railways works to expand capacity and improve signalling.