[Satellite TODAY 10-13-11] The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully launched the Megha-Tropiques satellite on a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket from its space center in Andhra Pradesh, ISRO confirmed Oct. 12.

   The Megha-Tropiques satellite, a joint project between the ISRO and the French government space agency (CNES), will examine climatic and atmospheric changes in tropical regions, as well as study monsoon patterns and global warming. CNES officials working with the Megha-Tropiques project said the satellite would begin transmitting data in two or three weeks and would be in orbit for five years.

   Three other smaller satellites also launched on the rocket during the mission, including Orbcomm’s VesselSat1 AIS satellite. ISRO said the successful mission was a big step for the PSLV program, since it suffered a major setback in December last year when a satellite launch anomaly caused the rocket to veer from its path and fall into the Bay of Bengal.