Highlights of ISRO's PSLV-C46 mission today: After a perfect liftoff, PSLV successfully releases RISAT-2B in orbit

Chandrayaan-2 is coming

K Sivan says that next launch will be that of Chandrayaan-2, ISRO's second mission to the moon between July 9 and 16th. Also coming up is the launch of another remote sensing CartoSAT. 

There goes the RISAT!

RISAT-2B separates perfectly!

The PSLV's fourth stage engines has been shut off, and the orbital conditions have been reached for the satellite to seperate. RISAT-2B has been release into its orbit as planned, to applause from the mission team.

ISRO pops the hood!

PSLV's payload fairing has separated as planned, opening up the conical nosecone and leaving RISAT-2B exposed to the atmosphere. 

The PSLV is off!

The rocket is riding carrying tens of thousands of kilograms of thrust powered by its solid-fueled first stage. This first stage has now been shed after use, and the second stage is performing beautifully!

Look at her go!

And liftoff!

While we wait, here's a look at statistics of today's launch

48th PSLV mission

14th launch of the PSLV in the CA configuration

3rd ISRO launch of 2019

3rd PSLV launch of 2019

36th PSLV launch from Sriharikota's First Launch Pad

We're now 5 minutes from liftoff! :) 

Weather looking great for liftoff!

All weather conditions have been reported favorable for launch. The most important factors mission control looks at are wind speeds (both ground and upper altitudes) and lightning.

RISAT-2B will take over from RISAT-1

RISAT-2B, short for "Radar Imaging Satellite-2B", is the second in a series of satellites used to observe weather conditions on Earth using radar imagery.
Once operational, the satellite will be capable of monitoring weather day and night, in all weather conditions. We sure could use more of that considering monsoon is on its way.

That mandatory pre-launch PSLV photograph 

Here's a look at the PSLV-C46 a couple of hours before liftoff. 

PSLV awaits green-light liftoff

The PSLV-Core alone rocket is now all fuelled, and awaiting green-light from ISRO's mission director in the form of an OK to start the automated launch sequence (ALS) to liftoff.