India’s space agency ISRO has made announcement about the launching of a cluster of ten satellites, comprising eight from abroad, which will be carried by PSLV-C9 on April 28, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota.

The launch rocket (230-tonne PSLV) will carry the latest version of remote sensing satellite Cartosat-2A, an 83 kg indigenous mini satellite and eight foreign nano satellites into polar orbit.

A spokesperson at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said, “The launch, which will be PSLV's 13th flight, is scheduled at 9:20 am on Monday (April 28) and will be the third flight with core-alone configuration where the rocket will not have booster-straps.”

The 690-kg Cartosat-2A is equipped with a camera and advanced scientific instruments. The camera, which covers up a swath of about 9.6 km, will take black-and-white pics in the visible region of electromagnetic spectrum.

The official noted, “The agile remote sensing spacecraft is steerable along and across the direction of its movement to facilitate imaging of any area more frequently. With Cartosat-2, which was launched January 2007, the latest version will form a pair to provide frequent re-visits.”

The mini satellite will carry two optical payloads, a multi-spectral (Mx) camera and a hyper-spectral (HySI) camera, which will operate in the visible and near infrared areas of the electro-magnetic spectrum.

“The mini satellite incorporates many new technologies and has miniaturised sub-systems. Data from this mission will be made available to developing countries,” the official said.

Eight nano satellites built by universities and research institutions in Canada and Germany are also being launched under a commercial agreement with Antrix Corporation. Their weight varies from 3 to 16 kg with a total weight of about 50 kg.

The eight nano-satellites, built by Canada and Germany-based universities and research institutions, are being launched under a deal with Antrix Corporation, the space agency's commercial wing. Their weight varies from 3 to 16 kg with a total weight of about 50 kg.

“The satellite has been integrated with the launch vehicle. The rocket has also been moved to the second launch pad,” the official added.