Rohini: A Series Launch in Space

Being an experimental saga, the Rohini satellite's primary focus included Earth observation, space exploration, and weather forecasting that laid the foundation for an extended series launch. There's a fascinating story behind the name "Rohini" that is brought to light in this article.

Rohini satellite Image source: Rohini Satellite (hotcore.info)

The enriching mythology of the ancient Indian culture has been the catalyst in shaping the economy through the centuries, laying the foundation for greater achievements. The Indian Space Research Organization works on similar lines and has become the driving force in taking India’s name into the realm of outer space.

We’re talking about successful satellite launches by ISRO that paved the way for rapid expansion in space research and analysis. One such satellite is the Rohini series, featuring four satellites successfully launched on different occasions, ranging from 1979 to 1983.

The Mythological Influence

There’s a profound influence of Hindu Mythology in naming this satellite “Rohini”. It’ 's the character who happens to be the surrogate mother of Balarama; the seventh reincarnation of Lord Vishnu and stepmother to Lord Krishna. Rohini is also one of the 7 celestial stars in the Hindu calendar.

The Experimental Four

ISRO took giant leaps in space exploration via the Rohini series that proved to be the catalyst for further expansion.

Rohini Technology Payload was initially launched on August 10th 1979 from the renowned Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The experimental, spin-stabilized satellite carried various instruments to monitor SLV-3 from a close range, interestingly, which happens to be India’s maiden launch. The payload launch was not as successful as it was expected to be the reason SLV could not be placed in the intended orbit.

Likewise, RS-1, RS D-1, and RS D-2 were launched on July 18th 1980, May 31st 1981, and April 17th 1983. The Rohini satellite was India’s first successful satellite launch, following the previously completed mission of Aryabhata and Bhaskara.

Advanced Expansion and Super-Success

All thanks to Rohini satellite experimentation, its studies, achievements, and new findings, the ISRO and the nation witnessed a significant surge in advanced satellite launching via the Stretched Rohini Satellite Series. The grand launch on March 24th 1987 became a day to remember, enriching Indian space expeditions, thereby setting a new benchmark to measure future satellite launches.

It was a more advanced level of experimentation, following the Rohini series launch. It was designed specifically to carry innovative technological instruments exclusively intended for remote planetary sensing and monitoring that took the Indian Space Research Organization to new heights and help achieve greater laurels in the astronomical world.

Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle and SROSS

The remarkable feat achieved by ISRO was witnessed in the rare achievement of SROSS C2 successfully monitoring the performance of the nation’s ASLV programs. The earlier SROSS 1 and SROSS 2 were a failure, but SROSS C was a super-success that was placed in the intended orbit. The earlier two failures laid the launchpad for ISRO to continue its research and planning in driving ASLV programs for better and close monitoring.

SROSS C2 was instrumental in carrying out extensive operations beyond expectations for over seven years, launched by ASLV. It featured a Gamma Ray Burst (GRB) detector and a Retarding Potential Analyzer (RPA) to capture scientific data for use in further space research. ISRO fitted the RPA to exclusively measure the temperature, density, and salient features of electrons in Earth’s ionosphere.

An Advancement to Build the Future in Space Exploration

The technological advancements in incorporating multi-featured space research instruments enabled ISRO to enhance experiments and make rapid strides in space exploration. It put Indian space research on the global map, and the ASLV program, along with SROSS, powered through to make a lasting impact as a benchmark for future global space expeditions to follow suit.

These innovative developments and scientific experimentation by ISRO have proved to be a catalyst in driving the national astronomical missions, using accurate data acquired from previous launches. The stage is now set for ISRO to take charge of the robust landscape in space expeditions and bring greater laurels to the organization and the nation.