New Delhi, June 21: June 22 holds a significant place in India’s space history. On this day, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) showcased its technical prowess, reliability, and growing global reputation. In 2016, ISRO made history by successfully launching 20 satellites simultaneously using its PSLV-C34 rocket.
This achievement was not merely a successful launch; it symbolized India’s increasing strength in the space sector and its acceptance on a global scale. At that time, launching 20 satellites in a single mission was considered a monumental accomplishment for India.
The PSLV-C34 took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 9:26 AM. The primary satellite was the Cartosat-2, weighing 727.5 kilograms, accompanied by 19 co-passenger satellites.
During the flight, all phases of the rocket proceeded successfully as planned. Approximately 16 minutes and 30 seconds later, the Cartosat-2 was placed into its designated orbit, followed by the successful deployment of the remaining 19 satellites within minutes. Thus, the mission was a complete success.
The most significant payload of this mission was the Cartosat-2 satellite, equipped with advanced cameras capable of capturing high-resolution images of the Earth. It provides crucial information for various sectors, including urban and rural applications, road network monitoring, water resource management, coastal studies, land use mapping, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In simpler terms, this satellite plays a vital role in development planning and resource management.
A notable aspect of this mission was the inclusion of satellites built by students. The ‘SatyabhamaSat’ and ‘Swayam’ satellites were developed by students from Satyabhama University in Chennai and an engineering college in Pune. Their launch conveyed the message that India’s space program is not limited to scientists but also empowers young talents to dream big and realize those dreams.
Alongside PSLV-C34, 17 other satellites were launched from Canada, Germany, Indonesia, and the United States. Among these, the United States contributed the most with 13 satellites, while Canada had two, and Germany and Indonesia each had one.
The success of this mission clearly indicates that India has elevated its flight in space, demonstrating to the world that its skies are now more expansive than ever before.
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