ISRO likely to launch Cartosat-2 satellite with 30 nano satellites in mid-December

The unsuccessful launch of navigation satellite IRNSS-1H hasnt dented the spirit of Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) as the space agency has its sights on launching a remote sensing satellite of Cartosat-2 series along with 30 nano satellites of foreign countries in the second half of December.

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) director Dr K Sivan said, "Isro will be busy in launching a series of satellites from December onwards. We are targeting to launch Cartosat along with 30 nano satellites of foreign countries in the second half of December."

He said, "The replacement satellite for IRNSS-1A (the first navigation satellite whose three atomic clocks, meant to provide precise locational data, had stopped working last year) will be launched soon thereafter. 

Both these launches will be from the first launchpad at Sriharikota as the second launchpad will be busy in launching three GSLV rockets, including the Chandrayaan-2 mission in March. "If for any reason, Cartosat launch is delayed in December, it will also stall the launch of replacement satellite IRNSS-1I as both these launches have been planned from the first launchpad."

The three GSLV launches, which will involve two GSLV Mk II and one GSLV Mk III (Isro's fat boy), will be from the second launchpad at Sriharikota. Instead of PSLV (which was used for launching Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008), Isro is using GSLV Mk II for the second lunar mission as the payload is heavier this time (combined launch mass 3,250 kg). The payload will constitute orbiter, lander and rover.