M A I N   N E W S

PSLV puts satellite into space

Sriharikota, October 17
India added another feather in its space technology capability by successfully launching its heaviest and sophisticated remote sensing satellite, Resourcesat-1, using the indigenously built Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle from the space centre here at 10.22 am, amidst unexpected heavy downpour.

A little over 17 minutes after the perfect take-off from this spindle-shaped island off the Andhra Pradesh coast, the 44.4-metre high 294 tonne launch vehicle placed the 1360-kg satellite into a sun-synchronous orbit, 817 km above earth.

President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee rang up ISRO Chairman G. Madhavan Nair to convey their congratulations for the achievement. — PTI