In a historic feat, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched a record 104 satellites today (February 15) from the spaceport of Sriharikota of Andhra Pradesh. With this, India surpassed Russia, which previously held the record for the most satellites launched in a single mission (37), and became the first country to launch 104 satellites in a single rocket.
The ISRO also outdid itself by a huge margin as the highest number of satellites it had previously launched was 20. However, it used the same rocket this time—XL version of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
Announcing the success of the programme, ISRO chariman AS Kiran Kumar said, “This was a very enjoyable mission. I congratulate the team. We faced many challenges before we accomplished this mission.”
Here are some facts you must know:
Why is this ISRO mission important?
Cartosat-2 Series, the primary satellite with a mission life of five years, will be similar to the earlier four satellites in Cartosat-2 Series. It will provide remote sensing services. Images sent by it will be useful for coastal land use and regulation, road network monitoring, creation of land use maps and distribution of water, among other purposes. The 88 small satellites will map every inch of the planet in super high resolution.
With a surge in number of space-based applications, the demand for satellites is growing rapidly and this mission is a decisive step in that direction.