Reports noted that the launch preparations for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C14 that will place seven satellites in orbit were progressing well. The launch is scheduled for September 23 from the Sriharikota spaceport. Apart from ISRO’s Oceansat-2 weighing 960 kgs, six micro satellites of other countries including two Rubinsats and four Cubesats weighing between one and eight kilograms will also be launched1.

The PSLV-C14 is core alone version of the PSLV. The launch vehicle’s fourth stage will initially sequentially inject five satellites followed by the Oceansat-2. While the Oceansat-2 will study the relationship between the atmosphere and the ocean and its impact on climate, the six micro satellites will test satellite advanced application technologies.

• 1. T.S. Subramanian, “Launch campaign apace for lift-off of PSLV–C14,” The Hindu, September 13, 2009, at http://www.hindu.com/2009/09/13/stories/2009091356431800.htm