ISRO releases on board video from the PSLV-C36 launch earlier today

Earlier today, ISRO successfully launched the PSLV-C36 rocket and put into orbit the ResourceSat-2A earth observation satellite. On board the rocket were five video cameras that recorded footage of the launch. ISRO has released some of the footage from these cameras, and they show exciting views of the launch, separation of strap on boosters, and the satellite being deployed in orbit. Most of the footage is from space. [caption id=“attachment_351224” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”] RESOURCESAT-2A with one of its solar arrays deployed during ground tests. Image : ISRO.[/caption] There are two videos released. One video shows the launch, with the Earth rapidly receding from the view of the camera. The first video sees the separation of the heat shield, to protect the delicate payload from damage by atmospheric friction. The separation of four additional motors can also be seen. The PSLV-C36 mission was flown in the XL configuration with six additional motors strapped on to the rocket. The second video shows the separation of the payload, the ResourceSat-2A, and the deployment of the solar panels. We have complied both the videos into one, and sped up the footage by 400%.

There were no additional passengers on board, apart from the primary payload. This was because of the high altitude orbit of the ResourceSat-2A, which is not suitable for smaller satellites which are usual co-passengers on PSLV launches. If onboard cameras are used in future ISRO rocket launches, we can expect footage of multiple satellites being deployed.