The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) confirmed the successful launch of the heaviest rocket Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3 or GSLV Mark 3) from India’s southern state Andhra Pradesh which has successful placed 36 satellites in orbit.
According to the Anadolu Agency, on Sunday, the “LVM3 M2/OneWeb India-1 mission” was completed successfully with all 36 satellites being placed into intended orbits.
The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 12:07 am local time.
ISRO Chairman Sreedhara Panicker Somanath stated that this is the first-ever launching of the new rocket LVM3.
According to ISRO, each satellite will complete its orbit around every 109 minutes and weigh around 5,796 kg.
The “mission is being undertaken as part of the commercial arrangement” between New Space India Limited, a government-run firm, and One Web satellites manufacturer, according to the agency.
Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, a director specializing in space and security at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, stated that “the launch is important for India and reflects the gradual opening of its space agency to private customers”.
Moreover, Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh stated, “Yet another feather in the much-decorated hat of Team ISRO.”
