ISRO’s heaviest rocket successfully places 36 satellites in orbit

Source: The post is based on the article “ISRO’s heaviest rocket successfully places 36 satellites in orbit” published in The Hindu on 25th October 2022

What is the News?

Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) has successfully completed the LVM3 M2/OneWeb India-1 mission, placing 36 satellites into the intended orbit.

What is the LVM3 M2/OneWeb India-1 mission?

LVM3-M2 is the dedicated commercial satellite mission of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).

This mission is being undertaken as part of the commercial arrangement entered into between NSIL and OneWeb Ltd.

As part of this mission 36 OneWeb Gen-1 satellites meant for global connectivity needs have been launched into Low Earth Orbit.

Significance of the mission: The mission assumes significance as this was LVM3’s maiden commercial mission and also NSIL’s first with the LVM3 vehicle.

– The mission also has the heaviest payload with 36 satellites of OneWeb, becoming the first Indian rocket with a payload of 5,796 kg.

What is OneWeb?

OneWeb is a global communication network powered from space, enabling connectivity for governments, businesses and communities. It is implementing a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites. 

India’s Bharti Enterprises serves as a major investor and shareholder in OneWeb.