Countdown Begins: ISRO’s PSLV-C56, Accompanied by Six Co-Passenger Satellites, Scheduled for 30th July, 6:30 AM Launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota’s First Launch Pad
Bengaluru, NFAPost: In a significant development, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is all set to launch the PSLV-C56 carrying Singapore’s DS-SAR satellite along with six co-passenger satellites on July 30th at 6:30 AM. The launch will take place from the prestigious Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
The DS-SAR satellite, weighing a substantial 3600 kg, has been developed by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) on behalf of the Singaporean government, in collaboration with ST Engineering. It will be deployed into a Near Equatorial Orbit (NEO) at an inclination of 5 degrees and an altitude of 535 km.
A notable feature of the DS-SAR satellite is its Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload, which has been developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). This advanced technology will enable the satellite to provide high-resolution imagery at 1m, even in adverse weather conditions and during nighttime.
Once operational, the DS-SAR satellite will play a crucial role in meeting the satellite imagery requirements of various government agencies in Singapore. Additionally, ST Engineering plans to utilize the satellite to offer multi-responsive imagery and geospatial services to its commercial customers.
The launch will also carry six co-passenger satellites, each serving different purposes. Among them are VELOX-AM, a technology demonstration microsatellite; Atmospheric Coupling and Dynamics Explorer (ARCADE), an experimental satellite; SCOOB-II, a 3U nanosatellite with a technology demonstrator payload; NuLIoN by NuSpace, an advanced 3U nanosatellite facilitating seamless IoT connectivity in urban and remote areas; Galassia-2, a 3U nanosatellite in low Earth orbit; and ORB-12 STRIDER, a satellite developed through international collaboration.
The upcoming launch marks another milestone in ISRO’s illustrious journey and reaffirms India’s growing capabilities in the space sector. It also strengthens international collaboration and highlights the increasing use of satellites for a wide range of applications, from scientific research to commercial ventures.
As the countdown begins for the PSLV-C56 launch, the scientific community, satellite enthusiasts, and stakeholders eagerly await the successful deployment of the DS-SAR and its co-passenger satellites, ushering in a new era of space exploration and technological advancements.
