PSLV-C40

PSLV-C40
Red and white rocket stands on the launch pad
PSLV-C40 before launch
Mission typeDeployment of 31 satellites
OperatorISRO
WebsiteISRO website
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftPolar Satellite Launch Vehicle
Spacecraft typeExpendable launch vehicle
ManufacturerISRO
Payload mass1,323 kilograms (2,917 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date09:28:00, 12 January 2018 (2018-01-12T09:28:00) (IST)
RocketPolar Satellite Launch Vehicle
Launch siteSriharikota Launching Range
ContractorISRO
Payload
List of Satellites:

PSLV-C40 was the 42nd mission of the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) program in the XL configuration. PSLV-C40 successfully carried and deployed 31 satellites in Sun-synchronous orbits.[1]

Overview

Two Surrey Satellite Technology satellites were launched, the 100 kg Carbonite-2 Earth Observation technology demonstrator and the 168 kg Telesat LEO Phase 1 communications satellite.[2][3]

Four SpaceBEE sub-CubeSats were launched to test "2-way satellite communications and data relay", probably for the Silicon Valley company Swarm Technologies. However, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had denied regulatory approval for Swarm Technologies 10 cm × 10 cm × 2.8 cm BEE satellites as they were too small to be reliably tracked by the United States Space Surveillance Network, so may become an impact hazard to other satellites. If confirmed, the FCC may take regulatory action over these satellites.[4][5]

Launched satellites

See also: 2018 in spaceflight § January

References

  1. ^ "PSLV-C40/Cartosat-2 Series Satellite Mission - ISRO". www.isro.gov.in. ISRO. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  2. ^ "SSTL confirms the successful launch of CARBONITE-2 and Telesat LEO Phase 1 satellite". Surrey Satellite Technology Limited. 12 January 2018. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  3. ^ a b c "Earth Observation's Flying Start to 2018". Pixalytics. 3 January 2018. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
  4. ^ Harris, Mark (9 March 2018). "FCC Accuses Stealthy Startup of Launching Rogue Satellites". IEEE Spectrum. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  5. ^ Sheetz, Michael (9 March 2018). "Former Google engineer's start-up slammed by FCC for unauthorized satellite launch". CNBC News. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  6. ^ Wall, Mike (11 January 2018). "Planetary Resources' Asteroid-Mining Goals Move Closer with Satellite Launch". Space.com. Retrieved 13 January 2018.


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