PSLV rocket launches ten satellites

April 28, 2008

An Indian (PSLV) has successfully launched ten satellites. The 44-metre long rocket lifted off from the second launch pad at the at 03:53:51 GMT (09:24 local time), and reached a,   a little over seven minutes later. Following burnout of the fourth stage of the carrier rocket, the payloads were released. The PSLV flew in the CA, or Core Alone, configuration, with no solid rocket boosters around the first stage.

The ten satellites aboard the rocket will be used for several purposes by a variety of organisations. The primary payload,, is a satellite, which will be operated by the  (ISRO). , also known as, another ISRO remote sensing satellite, was the secondary payload. In addition, eight commercial payloads were flown, as part of the -4 and 5 programmes. There satellites were and  for the, Japan,  and  for the , Canada, Delfi-C3 for the  in the Netherlands,  for the , Denmark,  for , Germany, and  for German aerospace company.

This is the 21st orbital launch of, and the second to be conducted by a PSLV. It is the 13th total PSLV launch. The next PSLV launch is scheduled for either July or December, with the spacecraft, India's first.