PSLV XL | Cartosat-2D & 103 others

Cartosat 2D is a remote sensing satellite for ISRO and is tasked with land observation from sun-synchronous orbit. It is launched along with 103 small satellites of foreign companies and research groups. Among these, 88 cubesats are Earth-imaging Dove satellites operated by Planet Labs company.

PSLV-XL is the upgraded version of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle in its standard configuration boosted by more powerful, stretched strap-on boosters with 12 tonne propellant load. Weighing 320t at lift-off, the vehicle uses larger strap-on motors (PSOM-XL or S12) to achieve higher payload capability. On 29 December 2005, ISRO successfully tested the improved version of strap-on booster for the PSLV. The first use of PSLV-XL was the launch of Chandrayaan-1 by PSLV C11. The payload capability for this variant is 1,800 kg to SSO.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of the Government of India headquartered in the city of Bangalore. Its vision is to "harness space technology for national development while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration."