Data lost in terminal stage in ISRO's maiden SSLV mission: Somanath

Sriharikota: ISRO Chairman Dr.S.Somanath said some data was lost at the terminal stage of India's maiden flight Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), which lifted off from the first launch pad at 0918 hrs.

Addressing the scientists from the Mission Control Centre after the launch, Somanath said the ignition and separation of all the three stages of SSLV-D1 (first developmental flight) was normal.

India's maiden flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), which will ferry Earth Observation Satellite-2 (EOS-2) and a co-passenger satellite AzaadiSAT into a Low Earth Orbit, lifts off from the spaceport of Sriharikota.

The AzaadiSAT carries 75 different payloads, each weighing around 50 grams, which have been developed by 750 girl students from across the country from rural areas who were provided guidance to build these payloads, says the ISRO.

After a smooth seven hour countdown, which commenced at 0218 hrs early this morning, the SSLV-D1 (first developmental flight) took off majestically from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), SHAR Range, at 0918 hrs, a sight to behold. (Inputs from UNI)