The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has inaugurated a new medium version of its PSLV rocket called the PSLV-DL which uses only two PSOM-XL strap on rockets instead of the more normal six. The first launch of this newly modified rocket on the PSLV-C44 flight took place at 1808 GMT on 24 January 2019 from the Sriharikota launch site. Aboard was the 740kg experimental surveillance/reconnaissance satellite called Microsat R which was being launched for India’s DRDO – Defence Research and Development Organisation.
In addition, ISRO was demonstrating the use of the PS4 upper stage to act as an independent spacecraft to carry customer payloads. The idea is that the Li-Ion batteries aboard can power experimental and technology test payloads for 14 hours. Later versions may be fitted with solar arrays to power the stage and payloads for up to six months. On this flight the PS4 stage was carrying a student payload called Kalamsat. Seradata notes this “satellite” as the KALAMSAT/PSLV C44 PS4 STAGE on the Seradata SpaceTrak database.
Diagram of the PSLV-DL launch vehicle. Courtesy: ISRO
