Rohini satellites
Topic: Transport and Communication in India · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 7 "Transport and Communication"
Meaning
Rohini is a series of experimental Indian satellites. Rohini RS-1 was launched on 18 July 1980 on SLV-3, India's own rocket. This was the first time an Indian-made rocket put a satellite into orbit. It showed that India could now launch its own satellites without help from another country. This laid the base for later launchers such as the PSLV.
Example
Rohini RS-1 was launched from Sriharikota, an island off the coast of Andhra Pradesh. Sriharikota is still India's main launch site.
Don't confuse with
- Aryabhata: India's first satellite (19 April 1975), launched on a Soviet rocket from the Soviet Union, not on an Indian rocket.
- APPLE: India's first experimental communication satellite (1981), launched on a European Ariane rocket from French Guiana.