PSLV-C44 to launch Kalamsat, Microsat satellite on Jan 24

The Indian Space Research Organisation Wednesday said its workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will launch the Kalamsat payload and Microsat-R satellite from Sriharikota on January 24.

PSLV is a four stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages.

"The PSLV with 2 strap-on configuration has been identified for this mission and the configuration is designated as PSLV-DL. PSLV-C44 is the first mission of PSLV-DL and is a new variant of PSLV," ISRO said.

It will be launched from First Launch Pad (FLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR), Sriharikota.

"Kalamsat, a student payload will be the first to use PS4 as orbital platform. PSLV-C44 will also carry Microsat-R, an imaging satellite," the agency said.

In PSLV-C44, the fourth stage (PS4) of the vehicle would be moved to higher circular orbit so as to establish an orbital platform for carrying out experiments.

Kalamsat will be the first to use PS4 as orbital platform, ISRO said.