Countdown for launch of Resourcesat-2A progressing smoothly: ISRO

The countdown for the Wednesday morning launch of 1,235 kg earth observation satellite Resourcesat-2A is progressing smoothly, said ISRO.

Chennai, Dec 6: The countdown for the Wednesday morning launch of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) carrying 1,235 kg earth observation satellite Resourcesat-2A is progressing smoothly, said ISRO.

According to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the fuel filling operation of the rocket is under progress.

The 36-hour countdown for the rocket launch began at 10.25 p.m. on December 5.

On Wednesday, the rocket is slated to blast off at 10.25 a.m. from the first launch pad at Sriharikota rocket port in Andhra Pradesh.

PSLV-C36, the 38th flight of PSLV, will place the 1,235-kg RESOURCESAT-2A into an 817-km polar Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO).

RESOURCESAT-2A, a Remote Sensing satellite intended for resource monitoring, is a follow on mission to RESOURCESAT-1 and RESOURCESAT-2, launched in 2003 and 2011 respectively.

It is intended to continue the remote sensing data services to global users provided by RESOURCESAT-1 and 2. RESOURCESAT-2A carries three payloads which are similar to those of RESOURCESAT-1 and 2.

ISRO said it offers the PSLV rocket to international customers to launch their satellites. During 1994-2016, the PSLV rocket has launched a total of 121 satellites of which 79 are from abroad and 42 are Indian satellites.

(With IANS inputs)