ISRO’s Sixth Consecutive Successful Mission Puts India at the Forefront of Space Tech
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has once again achieved a momentous feat by successfully launching its heaviest payload rocket, LVM3, carrying 36 OneWeb satellites onboard. The rocket lifted off from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota, on March 26th, 2023, and is the sixth consecutive successful flight of the LVM3. This is the second mission for OneWeb Group Company, under a commercial agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), to launch 72 satellites into Low-Earth Orbits. The first set of 36 satellites was launched on October 23, 2022. The satellites were successfully deployed in nine phases over a period of 1 hour and 14 minutes, with the signal acquisition on all 36 satellites confirmed. OneWeb is a space-based global communication network that offers connectivity for governments, businesses, and communities. With the support of major investor Bharti Enterprises, OneWeb has launched its 18th mission, the third this year, bringing its total constellation to 618 Low Earth Orbit (LEO)satellites. This achievement is significant as it makes OneWeb the first LEO operator to have enough satellites in orbit to offer global service. The successful launch of LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 Mission has been hailed as a significant step towards closing the digital divide, bringing fast and reliable connectivity to those who lack it. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath congratulated NSIL, ISRO, and OneWeb for the successful launch, with Union Minister Jitendra Singh lauding ISRO for yet another feather in their much-decorated hat. ISRO's successful mission reinforces India's position as a global leader in space technology, demonstrating its capabilities in advancing scientific research and enhancing communication infrastructure. With this historic launch, ISRO has set the bar high for future space missions, paving the way for more exciting developments in the field.