ISRO to launch PSLV-C56 carrying Singapore’s new imaging satellite
Context:
Singapore’s DS-SAR satellite will be launched on July 30 from Sriharikota by the PSLV-C56, according to a Monday announcement from the Indian Space Research Organization.
What are the specifics of the launch?
- Launch Date: The launch from Sriharikota, India, is slated for July 30.
- DS-SAR satellite’s primary payload:
- Size: 360 kg
- Partners: DSTA, who represents the Singaporean government, and ST Engineering collaborated to develop this.
- Purpose: The satellite is designed to meet the needs of several Singaporean government entities for satellite imagery.
- Capabilities for imaging containing a payload of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) created by Israel Aerospace Industries.
- All-Weather Coverage: DS-SAR can offer coverage day and night in any weather.
- Resolution: It has full polarimetry and an image at a 1-meter resolution.
- Launch Configuration: The PSLV-C56 will be in its core-alone mode, similar to the PSLV-C55 mission.
- Orbit: DS-SAR will be launched into a near-equatorial orbit with the following parameters:
- Inclination: 5 degrees
- Altitude: 535 km
- Additional Satellites:
- a.VELOX-AM:
- Weight: 23 kg
- Type: Technology demonstration microsatellite.
- b. Atmospheric Coupling and Dynamics Explorer (ARCADE):
- Type: Experimental satellite.
- c. SCOOB-II:
- Type: 3U nanosatellite
- Payload: Carries a technology demonstrator payload.
- d. NuLIoN by NuSpace:
- Type: Advanced 3U nanosatellite
- Purpose: Enables seamless IoT connectivity in both urban and remote locations.
- e. Galassia-2:
- Type: 3U nanosatellite
- Orbit: It will be orbiting in low Earth orbit.
- f. ORB-12 STRIDER:
- Type: Satellite developed under international collaboration.
- a.VELOX-AM:
What does this launch help India in achieving?
- Overall Significance: This launch represents the ongoing partnership between India and Singapore in satellite technology and space research. Through the deployment of numerous cutting-edge satellites with a variety of payloads, the program intends to improve Earth observation capabilities and satellite communication networks.
- International Collaboration: The participation of international partners in this mission highlights the collaborative efforts and shared expertise among countries in space research and technology development.
What do we know about the PSLV launch vehicle?
- The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) created the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), an expendable launch vehicle. In putting satellites into different orbits, it is renowned for its adaptability and dependability.
- The PSLV is a four-stage rocket that can be built in a variety of ways depending on the needs of the mission. Numerous payloads, including communication satellites, remote sensing satellites, and interplanetary missions, have been successfully launched by it.
- The PSLV’s accomplishments, which include launching multiple multinational satellites as well as India’s Chandrayaan-1 and Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), have established ISRO as a dependable player in the world market for commercial space launches.
