PSLV puts 10 satellites in orbit

India set a record here on Monday when its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C9) fired 10 satellites into orbit in a precisely timed sequence.

As each satellite winged out of the vehicle, it had to be re-oriented to prevent collision. The feat proved the versatility, reliability and flexibility of the PSLV. This was the 13th PSLV flight and 12th successful one in a row.

A jubilant G. Madhavan Nair, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), told a press conference: “This is a memorable occasion for ISRO and India. We have set a record for launching 10 satellites into orbit [using a single vehicle]. Very few countries have done it. Russia launched 13 satellites at a time. We do not know the result. We have shown the world that we can do multiple launches in a precise manner. We are thrilled at the performance.”