ISRO’s 100th Mission: Launch of the French Satellite SPOT-6

On September 9, 2012, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully achieved a significant milestone by launching its 100th space mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. This mission marked a monumental achievement in India’s space program, underlining ISRO’s growing capabilities in satellite launches.

The Satellite and Launch

The primary payload for this mission was the French satellite SPOT-6, launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C21). SPOT-6 is a high-resolution Earth observation satellite designed and operated by the French space agency CNES and Astrium SAS, a subsidiary of EADS (now part of Airbus). It was intended to provide high-quality images for applications in agriculture, forest management, environmental monitoring, and land-use planning.

The PSLV-C21 Mission

The PSLV-C21 was a part of ISRO’s highly reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle family, known for its versatility and dependability in delivering satellites into different orbits. This particular mission also carried a Japanese microsatellite, Proiteres, alongside SPOT-6. The launch was executed flawlessly, with SPOT-6 being deployed into its intended orbit at an altitude of approximately 655 kilometers.

Historical Context and Significance

The achievement of 100 missions was a significant testament to India’s growing prowess in space technology and its expanding role in international collaborations. Until this mission, ISRO had already become renowned for providing cost-effective and reliable satellite launch services on a global scale.

The mission exemplified ISRO’s capability in deploying dual payloads and underscored the agency’s technical expertise in launching foreign satellites. Furthermore, the revenue generated from these commercial launches supported the indigenous space program developments, facilitating advances in both technological capabilities and scientific research.

Aftermath and ISRO’s Advancement

In the continuing years after its 100th mission, ISRO would go on to achieve several more milestones, further establishing itself as a major player in the global aerospace industry. This accomplishment not only highlighted India’s growing technological capabilities but also bolstered its reputation as a prominent and competitive entity in international space exploration collaborations.

ISRO’s cost-efficient and reliable launch solutions have since attracted numerous international clients, leading to strengthened global partnerships and collaborations in the space sector, fostering a prosperous period of growth and innovation for the Indian space agency.