A new variant of India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle successfully launched two satellites on 24th January.
India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C44) successfully injected the Microsat-R imaging satellite and Kalamsat-V2, a student payload, into their designated orbits. The flight marked the first mission of PSLV-DL, a new variant of PSLV with two strap-on motors.
The PSLV-C44 lifted off at 23:37 (IST) on 24th January from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota in its 46th flight.
About 13 minutes 26 seconds after lift-off, Microsat-R was successfully injected into intended orbit of 274 km. After injection, the two solar arrays were deployed automatically and ISRO Telemetry Tracking & Command Network (ISTRAC) at Bengaluru assumed control of the satellite.
Subsequently, the fourth stage was raised to a higher circular orbit of 453 km after two engine restarts, to establish an orbital platform for carrying out experiments. Kalamsat-V2, a student payload which is the first to use PS4 as an orbital platform, reached its designated orbit about 1 hour and 40 minutes after lift-off.