NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1979-051A
Bhaskara was the second Indian satellite (the first was Aryabhata with 3 nonmeteorological experiments). It was launched as part of the satellite-for-earth-observations (SEO) program, and was placed in orbit by a Soviet vehicle launched from a Cosmodrome in the U.S.S.R. The main objectives were to conduct earth observation experiments for applications related to hydrology, forestry, and geology using a two-band TV camera system, and to conduct ocean-surface studies using a two-frequency satellite microwave radiometer (SAMIR) system. Secondary objectives were to test engineering and data processing systems, to collect limited meteorological data from remote platforms, and to conduct scientific investigations in X-ray astronomy. Bhaskara was a 26-faced quasi-spherical polyhedron. It had a height of 1.66 m, and a diameter of 1.55 m. Named after the two "Bhaskaracharyas," astronomer-mathematicians of ancient India, the satellite was formally turned off in March 1981. Information and data are available from the Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad, India.
Launch Date: 1979-06-07
Launch Vehicle: Modified SS-5 (SKean IRBM) plus Upper Stage
Launch Site: Kapustin Yar, U.S.S.R
Mass: 444 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Prof. Udipi Ramachandra Rao | Program Manager | ISRO Satellite Center | urrao_isro@hotmail.com |
Dr. G. Joseph | Project Scientist | Space Applications Center | |
Mr. Om P. N. Calla | Project Scientist | Space Applications Center | |
Dr. K. Kasturirangan | Project Director | ISRO Satellite Center | krangan@isro.org |