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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