Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) using its workhorse, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C50) has started the countdown for the launch of communication satellite CMS-01 on Wednesday (December 16).
This will be the PLSVs 52nd mission and the liftoff is scheduled at 3.41 pm on December 17 (Thursday) from the second launch pad at the spaceport of Sriharikota, ‘subject to weather conditions’.
“Countdown for the launch of PSLV-C50/CMS01 mission commenced today at 1441hrs from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR Sriharikota. Launch is scheduled tomorrow at 1541 Hrs IST,” ISRO said. It also added, “Filling of fuel for the fourth stage (PS4) of PSLV-C50 completed.”
CMS-01 is the 42nd communication satellite that will provide services in Extended-C Band of the frequency spectrum covering India, Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.
PSLV-C50 is the 22nd flight of PSLV in ‘XL’ configuration and it follows the successful launch of PSLV-C49 (EOS-01) earth observation satellite and nine customer spacecraft on November 7 which was ISRO’s first mission of the year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.