PSLV-C28

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch five UK-built satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on 10 July.

The agency said the launch by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will be its heaviest ever commercial mission.

PSLV-C28 will carry three DMC3 optical Earth observation satellites, which have been built by UK-based Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL), into a 647km sun-synchronous orbit.

Two Earth observation microsatellites, CBNT-1 and De-OrbitSail, will also be carried on-board.

Scientists have finished mounting the heavy satellites on PSLV-XL, the high-end version of PSLV.

Isro spokesman Deviprasad Karnik was quoted by the Times of India as saying: "The weather is fine and everything is going on well.

"The satellites will help identify resources, monitor disasters and urban development, among other applications."

"Fuelling of the second stage will begin on Thursday evening."

CBNT-1 and De-OrbitSail are technology demonstrators built by SSTL and the Surrey Space Centre.

The DMC3 satellites comprise DMC3-1, DMC3-2 and DMC3-3, and offer high spatial and temporal resolution optical Earth observation.

Planned to be located with a separation of 120°, the satellites will help identify resources, monitor disasters and urban development, among other applications.

In June 2014, Isro conducted its last big commercial launch when it lifted-off French satellite SPOT-7.

Image: Integration of third and fourth stage of PSLV-C28 in progress. Photo: courtesy of Isro.