The PSLV-C55 was successfully launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, putting two Singaporean Earth observation satellites into the desired orbit.
“Congratulations PSLV-C55/TeLEOS-2 Mission. The PSLV has placed both satellites in the intended orbit,” ISRO chief S. Somanath remarked. According to ISRO, the launch was completed at 14:19 IST.
Talking about the launch he said the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle once again in its 57th flight demonstrated its reliability and suitability for commercial launch. “This was a mission towards the east direction. and the inclination is 9.9 degrees, very precise. PSLV in its 57th flight has once again demonstrated its high reliability and suitability for the commercial missions of this class,” said the ISRO chief.
“This is the fifth launch in this edition. This rocket launch is being carried out with eight small payloads and we have prayed for the success of this launch,” the ISRO chairman said on Friday when he visited Goddesses Chengalamma Temple in Sullurpeta town of Tirupati district.
This launch also has significance as far as the Indian space startup ecosystem is concerned as NSIL’S ( NewSpace India Limited) dedicated commercial rocket carried the two Singapore satellites as main payloads and seven non-separating payloads belonging to ISRO, Indian Institute of Astrophysics and startups Bellatrix and Dhruva Space.