Countdown for Indian rocket PSLV’s launch progressing normally: ISRO

Indian space agency on Wednesday said the countdown for the launch of its rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) carrying 1,235 kg Resourcesat-2A, an earth observation satellite, is progressing smoothly.

According to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), real time simulation checks and data transmission checks have been completed and the satellite has been switched on.

The ISRO said the internal checks on the rocket and its systems have been completed.

“The countdown is progressing normally,” it said.

The 36-hour countdown for the rocket launch began at 10.25 p.m. on December 5.

The rocket will blast off at 10.25 a.m. from the first launch pad at Sriharikota rocket port in Andhra Pradesh.

According to ISRO, the PSLV rocket ‘XL’ variant will place the Resourcesat-2A into an 817 km polar sun synchronous orbit.

ISRO said it offers the PSLV rocket to international customers to launch their satellites.

During 1994-2016, the PSLV rocket has launched a total of 121 satellites of which 79 are from abroad and 42 are Indian satellites.