PSLV-C1

PSLV-C1 was the overall fourth mission of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle program by Indian Space Research Organisation. The vehicle carried IRS-1D satellite which was deployed in the Sun-synchronous orbit. This was India's first launch vehicle built without Russian assistance and PSLV's first operational flight placed IRS-1D into a polar orbit. However, it could not place the satellite in the desired circular orbit but in an elliptical orbit due to a leak of helium gas from one of the components. The mission was termed partial failure since the satellite could not be placed at the desired altitude.

Mission parameters

Mass:

* Total liftoff weight:
* Payload weight: Overall height: Propellant:
* Stage 1: Solid HTPB based
* Stage 2: Liquid UH 25 +
* Stage 3: Solid HTPB based
* Stage 4: Liquid MMH + MON-3Altitude: Maximum velocity: Inclination: 98.7°Period: 1090.52 seconds

Launch

PSLV-C1 was launched at 04:47 UTC on 29 September 1997 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The vehicle placed the IRS-1D satellite in the Sun-synchronous orbit.