36 satellites to be launched by Isro in first-ever commercial launch: Everything you need to know.

Onboard the space agency’s largest rocket, the Launch Vehicle LVM3-M2, the Indian Space Research Organization (Isro) is prepared to launch 36 broadband communication satellites for the first time on a commercial mission.

At the Andhra Pradesh spaceport of Sriharikota, the countdown started early on Saturday. On Sunday at 12.07 a.m., the 43.5-meter-tall rocket is planned to launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

You can learn everything you need to know about Sunday’s launch here:

1. Known as one of the heaviest since it can transport satellites weighing up to 8,000 kg, the LVM3-M2 is one of the largest.
2. The LVM3-M2 mission, which was launched on Sunday, represents NewSpace India Ltd, Isro’s commercial division, first dedicated commercial mission.
3. The mission is being carried out as part of the business agreement between Network Access Associates Ltd. of the United Kingdom and NewSpace India Ltd. of India (OneWeb Ltd).
4. According to the space agency, the mission would launch the first Indian rocket with a payload of 5,796 kgs and carry the biggest payloads, including 36 OneWeb satellites.
5. In addition, this is the first launch of LVM3-M2 to deposit the satellites in Low Earth Orbit, as opposed to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, which is up to 1,200 km above the Earth (up to 42,000 km above Earth).
6. Scientists at ISRO have renamed the launch vehicle LVM3-M2 from GSLV-MK III since the newest rocket can send 8,000 kg of payloads into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and satellites in the 4,000 kg class into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
7. The LVM3-M2 mission would support the space agency’s commercial initiatives and serve as a launch pad for its entry into the world market for commercial launch services.
8. LVM3-M2 is a three-stage launch vehicle that has two strap-on solid propellant stages (S200) on its flanks and a core stage that consists of two cryogenic and one liquid stages (L110 and C25).
9. Governments and companies can connect to the internet thanks to OneWeb Ltd., a worldwide communication network powered by space. The business is placing a constellation of 648 satellites in low-Earth orbit. With this launch, OneWeb’s constellation will have 462 satellites.
10. A second group of satellites is anticipated to be launched by the beginning of 2023, Isro added, in addition to the 36 satellites that will be launched on Sunday.
11. Since 1999, Isro has launched 345 foreign satellites into orbit. If the launch on Sunday is successful, the total will increase to 381.
12. In order to finish its constellation, OneWeb plans to launch three additional missions in 2019, including one in January.
13. The OneWeb satellites had previously been sent into orbit by Russian rockets from the Baikonur spaceport.
14. OneWeb chose to employ Isro rockets for the launch rather than Russia’s launch services as a statement against the conflict in the Ukraine.
15. As part of its extended mandate, NewSpace India Ltd. has at least six commercial missions scheduled for the upcoming months, including two GSLV-Mk3 launch flights (both for OneWeb), three PSLV launch missions, and one mission specifically for a satellite.