The Technology Experiment Satellite, TES, which was launched by ISRO’s
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C3, from Sriharikota yesterday
(October 22, 2001) is functioning well. The tests on various
subsystems like telemetry, command and power have been completed. The
Satellite Positioning System (SPS), which helps in accurate
determination of the satellite’s location, has also been tested. The
data handling systems are planned to be tested in the coming days
before the camera payload on board is turned on.
It may be noted that, immediately after its injection into orbit by
PSLV yesterday, the two solar panels of the satellite were
automatically deployed and the satellite was put in three axes
stabilisation mode using Reaction Wheels as per plan. The satellite is
being monitored from the Spacecraft Control Centre (SCC) of ISRO
Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) at Bangalore along
with its network of stations at Lucknow, Mauritius and Bearslake in
Russia.
The two other satellites, PROBA of Belgium and BIRD of Germany, which
were launched by PSLV along with India’s TES, are also reported to be
functioning well.
