ISRO PSLV C-18 Takes Megha-Tropiques, VesselSat-1, SRMSat & Jugnu To Space

Indian Space Research Organization aka ISRO has successfully launched the PSLV C-18 carrying four important satellites Megha-Tropiques, VesselSat-1, SRMSat and Jugnu to the space. ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle aka PSLV is making its 20th trip to the space carrying the Megha-Tropiques along with three auxiliary payloads with a total payload mass of 1047 kg. ISRO reported that the satellite launch was successful. The PSLV C-18 leaped into the sky from ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC SHAR). This is PSLV C18's seventh flight in the core-alone configuration, which eliminates solid strap-on motors.


Megha Tropiques @ ISRO. Image Credit: ISRO

Megha-Tropiques is an joint mission between India and France to study the water cycle and energy exchanges in the tropics. The main aim of this project is to launch a satellite in the space to understand the life cycle of convective systems which influences the tropical weather and study their contribution to the energy and moisture budget of the atmosphere in the tropical regions. The main satellite carries three aux. payloads with it.

Jugnu is a nano-satellite developed by engineers at the Indian Institute Of Technology, Kanpur under expert guidance from scientists at ISRO. Jugnu aims to prove the camera system developed by IITK for imaging the Earth in near IR-region & test image processing algorithms. It also aims to evaluate GPS system for use in satellite system and test MEMS (Intertial Measurement Unit) in space. The satellite only weighs about 3kg.

SRMSat is a satellite developed by students and faculty of SRM University to measure the pollution levels in atmosphere by keeping a check on CO2 and H2O (water vapor) levels. The satellite weighs about 10.09 kg and uses a grating spectrometer. VesselSat-1 has been developed by LuxSpace of Luxembourg. It carries AIS aka Automatic Identification System for Ships.

Further Reading: ISRO PSLV C18 (PDF)