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BANGALORE: Preparations for the launch of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C16) carrying RESOURCESAT-2 satellite are progressing well at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota according to an Indian Space Research Centre (Isro) release. In this mission, PSLV-C16 will launch RESOURCESAT-2, YOUTHSAT and X-SAT satellites.
RESOURCESAT-2 built by Isro - the primary satellite is an advanced remote sensing satellite weighing 1206 kg for facilitating the study and management of natural resources.
YOUTHSAT weighing 92 kg is a joint Indo-Russian satellite for stellar and atmospheric studies.
X-SAT weighing 105 kg is a microsatellite for imaging applications built by Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.
Integration of all the three satellites to the launcher has been successfully accomplished. After successful completion of final phase of vehicle checkout operations, pre-launch and launch rehearsal
procedures will be carried out.
The Launch Authorisation Board scheduled to meet on April 16, 2011 will review the readiness of the launch vehicle, satellites and ground stations and authorise the launch of PSLV-C16/RESOURCESAT-2 Mission.
The countdown is expected to begin in the early hours of April 18, 2011. The launch of PSLV-C16 is tentatively scheduled on April 20, 2011 at 1012 Hrs (IST).
