PSLV-48 Rocket is all set to Launch today

The countdown to launch Indian Space Agency ISRO's ambitious satellite RISAT-2BR1 from Sriharikota Space Station via PSLV-48 rocket started on Tuesday evening. Fueling has also started in its second stage on Wednesday morning. It is to be launched on Wednesday at 3:25 pm.

Will carry 9 satellites

This launch could prove to be a significant achievement for ISRO as it would be the 50th PSLV flight and the 75th rocket to be launched from Sriharikota. Designed to provide assistance in agriculture, forest and disaster management, the 628 kg satellite will carry nine small satellites with it. These will include Israel, Italy, Japan one each and six US satellites.

RISAT-2 BR1 Mission age 5 years

ISRO informed that these satellites are being launched under a commercial agreement with NewSpace India Limited. The space agency reported that the RISAT-2 BR1 mission is five years old. RISAT-2B was successfully launched on May 22 ahead of RISAT-2 BR1.

This connection to Israel

In addition to RISAT-2 BR1, one of the 9 satellites PSLV is carrying along with it is from Israel. It is made by the students of Israel's Herzliya Science Center and Shar Hanegev High School. The satellite named Duchifat-3 weighs just 2.3 kg. This is an educational satellite on which the camera Earth will be used for imaging.

The health of the forests will be monitored

Apart from this, a radio transponder installed on it will be useful for conducting research on air and water pollution and monitoring the forests. The three Israeli students making it will also be at the launch site.