India celebrates the 100th satellite launch - ISRO launches ‘Cartosat-II-F’ and 31 more satellites in space

Shriharikota: By launching in space the 100th satellite, indigenously built in India, the Indian Space Research Center (ISRO), has made history. One another historic landmark was achieved on Friday by ISRO, when it launched ‘Cartosat-II F’ series and 31 other satellites in space via PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle). ISRO has been showered with congratulations for this success of launching the 100th satellite in space and crossing a historic milestone.

At 9.30 am. on Friday morning, ISRO’s PSLV C-40 launched successfully in space all the 31 satellites at one go. Last year ISRO had successfully accomplished a challenging mission of launching 104 satellites of seven countries, which included 28 foreign satellites. ISRO, by this launch has now achieved success in yet another difficult mission and scaled new historical standard.

The satellite ‘Cartosat II-F’, which was launched by ISRO on Friday was ISRO’s 100th inbuilt space craft. Hence everyone seemed eager about Friday’s launch.

With the success of this launch, ISRO is being showered with compliments. While complimenting ISRO for this mission,Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed it a ‘stunning success’, and added that India’s space program has a bright future. ISRO’s Chairperson, A.S.Kiran Kumar said that the launch by ISRO of this indigenous 100th spacecraft ‘Cartosat-II-F’, is a New Year’s gift to the Country. Stressing ISRO’s successful beginning in 2018, Kiran Kumar mentioned how new and concrete steps were taken after the previous year’s failure in August.

‘Cartosat-II-F’ is a satellite which weighs 710 kg. is looked upon as India’s watchful ‘eye’ in space. It is a surveying satellite, and hold position 9 in the chain of ‘Cartosat’ satellites. This series of ‘Cartosat’ satellites, is considered a part of India’s ‘Remote Sensing Program’ and would be utilized for purposes of resource management and monitoring. However, satellite ‘Cartosat-II-F’, would be used for civil as well as military purposes. As ‘Cartosat II-F’ will be used for military patrolling, launching of the satellite will play an important role in maintaining security.

Of the 28 foreign satellites launched by ISRO on Friday, 19 satellites belonged to the U.S. Besides, 5 satellites from South Korea have been launched in space. Satellites from France, Finland, Canada and UK are also included. Likewise, two satellites, from the three Indian satelittes are micro satellites. For ‘PSLV C-40’, this was the 42nd launch.

After Friday’s achievement, ISRO made the important announcement of mission ‘Chandrayan –II’. The Chairperson of ISRO, Kiran Kumar informed that preparations for the launch of ‘Chandrayan-II’ have been completed, some internal tests have been carried out, while other vital tests are in progress. The launch of ‘Chandrayan-II’ is scheduled in March, announced ISRO’s Chairperson Kiran Kumar. He also clarified that the information obtained from ‘Chandrayan-II’, the six wheeled ‘Robotic Rover’, will further assist in the analysis of the lunar soil.

Pakistan’s objection to ISRO’s launch

New Delhi – Pakistan has raised objection to ISRO’s launch of ‘Cartosat-IIF’, the 100th Indian satellite in space. Pakistan’s Ministry of External Affairs has reacted saying the dual purpose-civil and military purpose- of the satellite may endanger the strategic stability in the sector.

Dr. Mohammad Faisal, the Spokesperson for Pakistan’s External Ministry, said that although India has launched ‘Cartosat-II F’ for civil purpose, it could be used for military reasons. All the nations have a right to implement space programs for peaceful reasons. However, launching satellite serving a double purpose, could only enhance that country’s defense capacity. Such programmes could cause negative impact on the region’s strategic stability.

However, according to the experts, Pakistan’s sense of despair and fear over India’s space program are apparent in their reactions.