Sunday, 6:30 AM, Sriharikota: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved another milestone with the successful launch of PSLV-C56, carrying a total of six co-passenger satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota.
This marks the 58th overall launch and the 17th using the Core Alone configuration for ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The upper stage of the rocket will be placed in a lower orbit after deploying all the satellites, ensuring a shorter orbital life. The PSLV-C56 was launched from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, showcasing India’s commitment to space exploration and technology advancement.
The primary satellite for this mission is DS-SAR, a Radar Imaging Earth Observation satellite developed under a partnership between DSTA (representing the Government of Singapore) and ST Engineering. The DS-SAR will play a crucial role in supporting the satellite imagery requirements of various Singaporean government agencies.
DS-SAR carries a sophisticated Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). This advanced technology enables the satellite to provide high-resolution imaging at 1-meter resolution, regardless of weather conditions or time of day. With its full polarimetry capability, DS-SAR can capture comprehensive and detailed imagery, making it a valuable asset for various applications.
The launch also includes six co-passenger customer satellites belonging to Singapore, further strengthening the partnership between the two nations in space exploration. All the satellites, including DS-SAR, were injected into a 535 km circular orbit with a 5-degree orbital inclination.
The mission is a dedicated commercial endeavor of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) for ST Engineering, Singapore. ST Engineering will utilize the data from DS-SAR to provide multi-modal and highly responsive imagery and geospatial services to its commercial customers.
The successful launch of PSLV-C56 and the deployment of DS-SAR and the co-passenger satellites reflect ISRO’s ongoing commitment to advancing space technology and expanding international collaborations. These advancements pave the way for more sophisticated and beneficial applications of satellite technology in various sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, and more.
ISRO’s dedication and continuous efforts in space exploration have positioned India as a prominent player in the global space community. With each successful mission, ISRO reinforces its commitment to making significant contributions to space science and exploration, and it remains at the forefront of India’s quest for space exploration and innovation.