Sriharikota: The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO)’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C40) today successfully placed 31 satellites, Cartosat-2 Series(710 kg), Microsat, 28 foreign nanosatellites and an Indian nanosatellite in two different orbits in one of the longest missions. This is PSLV’s 40th successful launch. With this Isro demonstrated multiple-burn technology that it tested in three previous launches. The foreign nanosatellites are from the US, France, Finland, the UK, South Korea and Canada.

The images sent by the camera of Cartosat-2 Series satellite will be useful for cartographic applications, urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation, utility management like road network monitoring, water distribution, creation of land use maps, change detection to bring out geographical and man-made features and various other land information system (LIS) as well as geographical information system (GIS) applications.

ISRO said it has some exciting launches coming up including Chandrayaan 2, GSLV MKIII and GSLV MKII. Satish Dhawan Space Centre director P Kunhikrishnan said the mission was an excellent tribute to chairman AS Kiran Kumar and a welcome to chairman-designate K Sivan.

Meanwhile Pakistan raised objections over the launch of the satellite. spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan Dr Mohammad Faisal said in a media briefing said: According to media reports, India is set to launch 31 satellites including the earth observation spacecraft Cartosat, on 12th January 2018. All space technologies, including earth observation satellites, are inherently dual use and can be employed for both civilian and military purposes. The dual nature of the satellite can lead to “a build-up of destabilizing military capabilities. All states have a legitimate right to pursue peaceful uses of space technologies. However, given the dual-use nature of such technologies, it is essential that such pursuits are not directed towards a build-up of destabilizing military capabilities, which can negatively impact the regional strategic stability.

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