The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully launches the Microsat-R and Kalamsat, a small communication satellite developed by students and Space Kidz India. The satellites were called by PSLV.
We will be launching 700-kg Microsat-R and Kalamsat with a new variant of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). In order to reduce the weight and increase the mass, an aluminium tank is used for the first time in the fourth stage,” K Sivan, Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), told IANS.
“In this mission, the fourth stage… will be moved to higher circular orbit so as to establish an orbital platform for carrying out experiments,” ISRO chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan told NDTV.
The main satellite Microsat- R is to take high-resolution photos of the Earth for defence research. The 44.4-metre-long PSLV that weighs 260 tonnes took both satellites into orbit on its 46th launch.
Named after Kalam, the Kalamsat is built by an Indian high school student team, led by Rifath Sharook, an 18-year-old from the Tamil Nadu’s Pallapatti. Kalamsat is the world’s lightest and first ever 3D-printed satellite.
