ISRO’s PSLV-C50 successfully launches communication satellite CMS-01

Sriharikota: India’s communication satellite CMS-01 was successfully launched by PSLV-C50 on Thursday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR Range, here. 

PSLV-C50 lifted off from the Second Launch Pad at 1541 hrs carrying CMS-01.

After a flight of about 20 minutes 12 seconds, the vehicle injected the satellite into its intended orbit.

After injection, the solar panels of CMS-01 were automatically deployed and ISRO’s Master Control Facility at Hassan has taken control of the satellite.

In the coming days, orbit raising manoeuvers will be executed to position the satellite in the Geostationary Orbit at its designated location.

Addressing the scientists from the Mission Control Centre, a beaming ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan said “I am extremely happy to declare that PSLV-C50 has successfully injected CMS-01 precisely in the pre-defined sub-GTO orbit.

“The satellite is functioning very well and in another four days from now, it will be placed in the specific slot in the GTO”, he added.

Subsequently, this satellite will function as a continuation of GSAT-12 satellite launched 11 years back, Dr Sivan said.

He appreciated the tireless efforts of both the satellite and launch vehicle teams in realising this mission amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

CMS-01 is a communication satellite envisaged for providing services in Extended-C Band of the frequency spectrum.

The Extended-C Band coverage will include Indian mainland, Andaman-Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.

CMS-01 is the 42nd Communication Satellite of India.

On the upcoming PSLV-C51 mission, Dr Sivan said “The mission will be fruition of the space reforms recently introduced in the country.”

“Our next mission PSLV-C51 will be special for us and special for the country”.

Recalling that Union Government has recently ushered in the space reforms and unlocked India’s potential in the space sector, he said the first earth observation satellite ‘Anand’ by a startup called Pixxel, will be launched in February-March 2021.

This will be first of its kind in India that will enable private people to get involved in satellite activities.

Anand will be the first of its kind in the series of satellites, Dr Sivan said.

Along with Anand, another communication satellite by Spacekidz India Team SATISHAT and UNIVSAT developed by consortium of three Universities would also be launched.

“The primary payload for PSLV-C51 rocket will be a Brazilian satellite weighing between 600-700kg,” he said.

Asserting that PSLV-C51 will initiate a new era of space reforms in India, the ISRO Chairman said, “I am sure the startups and private people will provide services for the entire country”.