On February 15, 2017, ISRO set a world record and made history by successfully launching 104 satellites in a single mission. India surpassed Russia's previous record of 37 satellites launched in 2014. The satellites were launched by the Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) PSLV C37 launch vehicle. In this article, we will discuss in detail regarding ISRO’s World Record PSLV C37 Launch which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Significance of PSLV C37 Launch

• ISRO launched 104 satellites, three of which are Indian and 101 of which are foreign.
• 101 foreign nano satellites from six countries were launched, bringing the international dimension to a new level.
  • There were 96 from the United States, and one each from Israel, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
• PSLV carried a 714-kilogram main earth observation satellite (Cartosat 2 series) and 103 smaller "nanosatellites" weighing a total of 664 kilogrammes.
• This is the PSLV's heaviest variant, weighing approximately 320 tonnes at lift-off and standing 44.4 metres tall.
• An Indian cartographic satellite, capable of high-resolution imaging, is also on board. It is expected to be used to keep an eye on regional rivals Pakistan and China. INS -1A and INS -1B are two other Indian satellites.
• The launch took place from the Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh.
• All 104 satellites were launched into space in about 18 minutes, each travelling at a speed of over 27,000 km per hour - 40 times the speed of a typical passenger airline.
• Planet Inc., based in San Francisco, owns nearly 90 small satellites known as "Doves." The Dove constellation will be used to take low-cost images of the Earth.
• This is ISRO's second successful launch attempt, following the June 2015 launch of 23 satellites in a single rocket.

CARTOSAT-2

• The Cartosat-2 series satellite is the primary satellite carried by PSLV-C37.
• The satellite weighs approximately 680kg and is designed to last 5 years.
• It is a sun-synchronous earth observation satellite that provides images of the Earth. It has a panchromatic camera that takes black-and-white images of the Earth.
• This satellite's images and data are useful for cartographic applications, infrastructure, and Land Information System (LIS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) applications.
• Cartosat-2 series satellite imagery will be useful for cartographic applications, urban and rural applications, coastal land use, utility management such as road network monitoring and water distribution, change detection to highlight geographical and manmade features.
• Under the Amrut Planning Scheme, the data sets could be used for urban planning in 500 cities.

International Satellites

DOVE (Flock-3P), USA

• DOVE Flock-3P nano satellites are a fleet of remote sensing satellites that will image the entire Earth every day for commercial, environmental and humanitarian purposes.
• The Dove satellites are designed, built and operated by Planet Inc., headquartered in San Francisco, USA.

LEMUR, USA

LEMUR nano-satellites of Spire Global Inc., San Francisco, USA are meant for providing vessel tracking using Automatic Identification System (AIS), besides carrying out weather measurement using GPS Radio Occultation.

Conclusion

This mission presented numerous technical challenges, such as launching a large number of satellites in a single mission within the time constraints. Another complexity associated with this mission was ensuring adequate separation between all 104 satellites during their orbital injection as well as their subsequent orbital life. ISRO has strengthened its impeccable scientific credentials as a reliable partner for space initiatives with this launch.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What world record was set by ISRO’s PSLV-C37 mission?

A) Most number of Earth observation satellites launched

B) Most number of satellites launched in a single mission

C) First successful mission to Mars

D) First launch of a communication satellite

2. How many satellites did ISRO’s PSLV-C37 launch carry in total?

A) 98

B) 104

C) 120

D) 50

3. What was the primary payload of PSLV-C37?

A) Weather observation satellite

B) Communication satellite

C) Small satellites and CubeSats

D) GPS satellite

4. What innovation helped ISRO deploy 104 satellites in a single mission?

A) Use of a multi-payload adapter

B) New rocket propulsion system

C) Automated satellite deployment system

D) Use of small-sized satellites only

5. Which rocket launched the PSLV-C37 mission?

A) GSLV Mk III

B) GSLV-D5

C) PSLV

D) Ariane 5

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the significance of PSLV-C37 for India’s position in the global space industry.

Answer: PSLV-C37 marked a significant milestone for India, positioning ISRO as a leading player in the global space industry. By successfully launching 104 satellites, ISRO not only demonstrated its technical prowess but also showcased its cost-effectiveness in conducting large-scale space missions. This achievement has boosted India’s reputation in the global space community, attracting more international collaborations and commercial satellite launches. The ability to handle complex multi-payload launches provides India with a competitive edge in the commercial space launch market, enabling ISRO to attract customers from various countries for launching satellites, further establishing India as a hub for space exploration.

Q2: What are the potential benefits and challenges associated with launching 104 satellites in a single mission?

Answer: The potential benefits of launching 104 satellites in a single mission include cost reduction, efficiency in satellite deployment, and the ability to meet the growing demand for small satellite launches. Additionally, it demonstrates technological innovation, showcasing ISRO's capability to handle complex launches with precision. However, challenges include the need for precise deployment mechanisms, managing satellite coordination, and ensuring the safety of each satellite during launch and deployment. Furthermore, handling the logistical aspects of the launch and maintaining operational satellites in orbit require advanced infrastructure and continual monitoring.

Q3: Discuss the role of satellite technology in India's socio-economic development and its contribution to global space missions.

Answer: Satellite technology plays a pivotal role in India’s socio-economic development by enabling critical services in communication, agriculture, disaster management, weather forecasting, and environmental monitoring. India’s advancements in satellite technology have contributed to the efficient delivery of services, especially in rural and remote areas, enhancing connectivity, improving crop yields, and providing real-time data for disaster response. Moreover, India’s space missions, like the PSLV-C37, contribute to global space exploration by providing cost-effective satellite launch services to other nations. As a result, India has become an important partner in the global space economy, promoting international cooperation in space research and technology.

Previous Year Questions on Space Exploration

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: The PSLV-C37 mission was launched to place how many satellites into orbit?

A) 37
B) 104
C) 56
D) 88

Answer: (B)

Explanation: PSLV-C37 launched 104 satellites in a single mission, setting a new world record for the most satellites launched simultaneously.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2021 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "Evaluate the technological advancements in ISRO’s PSLV-C37 mission and their implications for India’s space program."

Answer: The PSLV-C37 mission demonstrated several technological advancements, particularly in the precision deployment of multiple satellites. It highlighted ISRO’s ability to launch a large number of satellites simultaneously, which is crucial for addressing the growing global demand for satellite launches. This achievement has placed ISRO in a strong position to offer cost-effective and efficient satellite launching services on the global stage. The success of PSLV-C37 further strengthens India’s space capabilities, making it a key player in the commercial space launch market, while also contributing to India’s space research and development agenda.