India launches latest communication satellite CMS-01 on board Polar rocket

The satellite will have a life span of over seven years, according to ISRO

Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) workhorse PSLV rocket on Thursday successfully launched communication satellite, CMS-01, which is aimed at providing services in the Extended-C band of the frequency spectrum covering Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.

The satellite, which has a life span of seven years, lifted off from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, 100 km from here, at 3.41 pm. After 20 minutes and 12 seconds, the rocket injected CMS-01 into its intended orbit.

This is the second launch by ISRO this year amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The space plans of the ISRO hit a roadblock due to the lockdown that prolonged for a few months.

After injection of the satellite in its orbit, the solar panels of CMS-01 were automatically deployed and ISRO’s Master Control Facility at Hassan has assumed control of the satellite.

In the coming days, orbit raising manoeuvers will be executed to position the satellite in the Geostationary Orbit at its designated location, the space agency said.

Congratulating scientists for the successful launch, ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan appreciated the tireless efforts of both the satellite and launch vehicle teams in realising this mission amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

CMS-01 is a communication satellite envisaged for providing services in Extended-C Band of the frequency spectrum which will include Indian mainland, Andaman-Nicobar & Lakshadweep Islands.

The ISRO chairman said the upcoming PSLV-C51 mission will mark the fruition of the space reforms recently introduced in the country.