The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched ASTROSAT on September 28, 2015 its first dedicated multi-wavelength mini space observatory into space to understand the high energy processes in binary star systems containing neutron stars and black holes. At a cost of Rs 1.8 billion and with a lifespan of five years, it will orbit 400 miles above Earth. With the same polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV), India also launched from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh six foreign satellites for Canada, Indonesia and the United States (this was the first time ISRO launched satellites for the US). ASTROSAT’s mission is to provide data about stars and solar systems to a control centre in the southern Indian city of Bangalore, and some astronomy institutes in the country.
