The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is gearing up for another milestone in its space exploration program. On January 15, 2024, ISRO will launch the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C58) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Srihari Kota, Andhra Pradesh.
The PSLV-C58 will carry three satellites into orbit: the Cartosat-3B, an advanced Earth observation satellite; the IMS-2, a microsatellite for maritime surveillance; and the Anusat-2, a nanosatellite for amateur radio communication.
The PSLV-C58 is the 58th flight of the PSLV, which is India’s most reliable and versatile launch vehicle. The PSLV has a four-stage configuration, with alternating solid and liquid propellant stages. The PSLV-C58 will use the ‘XL’ variant of the PSLV, which has six strap-on boosters to provide extra thrust during the initial phase of the launch. The PSLV-C58 will have a total mass of 320 tonnes and a height of 44 meters.
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The primary payload of the PSLV-C58 is the Cartosat-3B satellite, which is the second satellite in the Cartosat-3 series. The Cartosat-3B has a panchromatic camera that can capture images with a resolution of 0.25 meters and a multispectral camera that can capture images with a resolution of 1 meter. The Cartosat-3B will be used for various applications such as urban planning, infrastructure development, coastal zone management, disaster management, and military intelligence.
The secondary payloads of the PSLV-C58 are the IMS-2 and the Anusat-2 satellites. The IMS-2 is a microsatellite weighing 15 kilograms, developed by ISRO in collaboration with the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). The IMS-2 will carry a transponder that can receive and relay signals from ships and vessels in the Indian Ocean region. The IMS-2 will help in enhancing maritime security and safety, as well as providing data for oceanographic research.
The Anusat-2 is a nanosatellite weighing 3 kilograms, developed by Anna University in Chennai. The Anusat-2 will carry a transceiver that can enable amateur radio communication among enthusiasts across the world. The Anusat-2 will also demonstrate some novel technologies such as a deployable antenna, a sun sensor, and a magnetic torque rod.
The PSLV-C58 will launch from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 9:30 am IST on January 15, 2024. The launch window will last for 20 minutes. The PSLV-C58 will inject the Cartosat-3B into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 505 kilometers and an inclination of 97.5 degrees. The IMS-2 and the Anusat-2 will be released into lower orbits of 485 kilometers and 465 kilometers respectively.
The PSLV-C58 launch will be another feather in the cap of ISRO, which has been achieving remarkable feats in space exploration. ISRO has successfully launched more than 300 satellites from various countries using the PSLV. ISRO has also made history by sending missions to the Moon and Mars and is currently preparing for its first human spaceflight mission, Gagan Yaan, scheduled for 2025.
ISRO’s motto is ‘Space for national development’. By launching the PSLV-C58 with three important satellites, ISRO will once again demonstrate its commitment to using space technology for the benefit of India and humanity.
M7.5 Earthquake hits Noto Peninsula prompting in Japan
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck the Noto Peninsula in Japan on Monday, triggering a tsunami warning for the coastal areas. The quake occurred at 12:34 p.m. local time, at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
The JMA issued a tsunami warning for the Ishikawa, Toyama and Niigata prefectures, urging residents to evacuate to higher ground and avoid the shorelines. The agency said that waves of up to three meters could hit the coast within an hour of the quake.
The quake was felt strongly across the central and northern regions of Japan, shaking buildings and disrupting transportation. The JMA said that there were no reports of major damage or injuries so far but warned that aftershocks could occur in the next few days.
The Noto Peninsula is located on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu, the main island of Japan. It is known for its scenic coastline and traditional culture. The area was hit by a magnitude 6.9 earthquake in 2007, which killed one person and injured more than 200.
The latest quake comes as Japan marks the 10th anniversary of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck the northeastern part of the country on March 11, 2011, killing nearly 20,000 people and triggering a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant.
The earthquake was caused by the movement of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates along a subduction zone, where one plate slides under another. The JMA said that the quake had a maximum intensity of 6+ on the Japanese scale of 0 to 7, meaning that it was very strong and could cause severe damage.
The tsunami warning was lifted at 2:12 p.m. local time, after no significant waves were observed along the coast. However, the JMA advised people to stay alert for possible changes in sea level and to follow the instructions of local authorities.
The government set up an emergency task force to deal with the situation and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said that he would do everything possible to ensure the safety and security of the people. He also expressed his sympathy and support to those affected by the quake.
The earthquake was felt as far away as Tokyo, where some buildings swayed for several minutes. Many people took to social media to share their experiences and to check on their friends and family. Some also posted videos and photos of the quake and its aftermath.