Isro successfully launches PSLV-C48 with Indian 'spy' satellite, 9 others

The satellite RISAT-2BR1, experts say, will help keep a check on infiltration by allowing round-the-clock surveillance across the border

India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C48) successfully took off from Indian Space Research Organisation's  [Isro) space port. Into its 50th mission, the rocket is carrying India’s latest 'spy' satellite RISAT-2BR1 and nine foreign satellites.

The rocket blasted off at 1525 hours IST (3:25 pm) from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota on Wednesday. The rocket is the QL variant of PSLV and this is the second flight of the variant.

Just over 16 minutes into its flight, the rocket will sling RISAT-2BR1 and a minute later, the first of the nine customer satellites will be ejected.