PSLV-C58 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The countdown for the launch of PSLV-C58 has been started by ISRO.

PSLV-C58

• Objective: The primary goal of the PSLV-C58 mission is to launch the XPOSAT Satellite into an Eastward low inclination orbit.
• 3-Axis Stabilized Mode: This is aimed at reducing the orbit to a 350 km circular orbit, ensuring the satellite remains in 3-axis stabilized mode for Orbital Platform (OP) experiments.
• 10 Identified Payloads: This experiment is designed to achieve the objectives of 10 identified payloads, supplied by ISRO and IN-SPACe.

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)

• About: PSLV serves as India's third-generation launch vehicle.
• Innovation: It stands out as the initial Indian launch vehicle incorporating liquid stages.
• Reliability: Earning the moniker 'the workhorse of ISRO,' PSLV has consistently delivered a diverse range of satellites into low Earth orbits, notably contributing to the IRS Series of satellites.
• Capability: PSLV is capable of placing multiple payloads into orbit, thus multi-payload adaptors are used in the payload fairing.
• Stages of PSLV

oFirst Stage (PS1): Comprises the S139 solid rocket motor, complemented by six solid strap-on boosters.

oSecond Stage (PS2): Utilizes the Vikas engine, an Earth-storable liquid rocket engine developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.

oThird Stage (PS3): Employs a solid rocket motor to provide high thrust during the upper stages following the atmospheric phase of the launch.

oFourth Stage (PS4): Represents the uppermost stage of the PSLV, housing two Earth-storable liquid engines.

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