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Thursday, September 03, 2015

Never Before Seen POV Of An ISRO Satellite Launcher In Action

ISRO, for the very first time, releases video footage obtained from one of its on-board cameras.

Enthusiasts have been perennially complaining about the unimaginative DD broadcast of any ISRO launch mission - unchanging long distance camerawork, fixed for perpetuity at the 2-odd vantage points. This, unlike our Amirkhan brethren, who share video footage obtained from cameras fitted in every nook & cranny around its Launchpad & vehicle.

In a departure from convention, the Indian Space Research Organisation [ISRO] has, for the first time ever, shared clips of video footages gathered from 2 of its on-board cameras. These cameras were fitted on the body of its latest GSLV-D6 mission, that successfully placed the GSAT-6 [INSAT-4E] satellite into orbit.

As we see, this mission has hit a number of high notes - in addition to being the first mission of which we have a unique perspective video, it also validated India's indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage [CUS] technology, with the 2nd consecutive successful launch demonstration. The satellite payload, too, utilises for the first time, an unfurling 6m antenna, whose size would economise power requirement.  Successful deployment & operation of the satellite, itself, adds to the growing number of the country's strategically important Space-based assets.

GSLV-Stages-ISRO

via isro.gov.in

Coming back to the video, as one can see, the GSLV's second stage [GS2] ignites prior to the first stage [GS1] being jettisoned [0:00-0:35]. This is followed by footage of the GS2 stage getting jettisoned, & while it tumbles through Space, the camera attached to the GS2 captures the "magnificent ignition" of third-stage CUS kicking into action [0:51-1:10]. The illustration, above, depicts the stage sequence of the GSLV Mk.2 launcher.

On-board & other strategically positioned cameras offer launch operators vital footage to observe the flight plan as it happens, while providing visual data for post-launch analysis, either for undertaking incremental optimisation, or fault-finding, in the event of a failure.

Watching the video, "jingo heart garden garden happening!"

Godspeed

Also read: Successful Flight Test Validation Of The Very First Indian Strap-On Booster Motors