ISRO's first 2022 launch - PSLV-C52 successfully in orbit

ISRO latest 2022 missions - an update

ISRO's first 2022 launch - PSLV-C52 successfully in orbit

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• The story: ISRO’s PSLV-C52 rocket placed the earth observation satellite EOS-04 and two small satellites into orbit following launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota (AP). This was the 80th launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota; 54th flight of PSLV; and the 23rd flight of PSLV in XL configuration (6 strap-on motors).
• Key points: The satellite EOS-04 was made at UR Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru. It is a Radar Imaging Satellite designed to provide high quality images under all weather conditions for applications such as Agriculture, Forestry & Plantations, Soil Moisture & Hydrology and Flood mapping.  Weighing about 1710 kg, it generates 2280 W power and has a mission life of 10 years.

1. The vehicle also placed two small satellites a student satellite (INSPIREsat-1) from Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology (IIST) in association with Laboratory of Atmospheric & Space Physics at University of Colorado, Boulder and a technology demonstrator satellite (INS-2TD) from ISRO, which is a precursor to India-Bhutan Joint Satellite (INS-2B).
2. Co-passenger satellites were successfully separated from the PSLV in a predetermined sequence.
3. The ISRO Chairman is S Somanath.

• About ISRO: The Indian Space Research Organisation is the national space agency of India, headquartered in Bengaluru. It operates under the Department of Space (DOS) which is directly overseen by the Prime Minister of India, while Chairman of ISRO acts as executive of DOS as well. It is one of six government space agencies in the world which possess full launch capabilities, deploy cryogenic engines, launch extra-terrestrial missions and operate large fleets of artificial satellites.
• History: The Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was established by PM Shri Jawaharlal Nehru under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 1962, on the urging of scientist Vikram Sarabhai recognising the need in space research. INCOSPAR grew and became ISRO in 1969, within DAE. In 1972, the Government of India had set up a Space Commission and the Department of Space (DOS), bringing ISRO under the DOS. The establishment of ISRO thus institutionalised space research activities in India. It since then has been managed by the DOS, which governs various other institutions in India in domain of astronomy and space technology.

1. ISRO built India's first satellite, Aryabhata, which was launched by the Soviet Union on 19 April 1975.
2. ISRO has the world's largest constellation of remote-sensing satellites and operates the two-satellite navigation systems GAGAN and NAVIC.
3. It has sent two missions to the Moon and one to Mars.

• Summary: The Indian Space Research Organisation has carved a niche for itself in space communication projects and is playing a significant role in the development and progress of the nation. Future readiness is the key to maintaining an edge in technology and ISRO endeavours to optimise and enhance its technologies as the needs and ambitions of the country evolve. Thus, ISRO is moving forward with the development of heavy lift launchers, human spaceflight projects, reusable launch vehicles, semi-cryogenic engines, single and two stage to orbit (SSTO and TSTO) vehicles, development and use of composite materials for space applications etc.
• EXAM QUESTIONS: (1) ‘ISRO is playing an important role in the nation’s development’. Examine the statement in light of recent developments. (2) Highlight the ISRO’s impeccable role in making India a world leader in space power but ISRO needs to address many challenges moving ahead. Discuss. (3) PM Nehru's vision for a modern, scientific Indian state led to the establishment of pioneering institutions. Examine the statement.

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