The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the upcoming launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C56, scheduled for July 30, 6:30 am IST. The mission will take off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India. The primary payload of the mission is Singapore’s DS-SAR satellite, weighing 360kg, developed through a partnership between DSTA (representing the Government of Singapore) and ST Engineering. The DS-SAR satellite will be launched into a Near-equatorial Orbit (NEO) with a 5-degree inclination and an altitude of 535 km. The New Space India Limited (NSIL) has procured PSLV-C56 to deploy the DS-SAR satellite.
This marks another significant collaboration between ISRO and Singapore, following the successful launch of two other Singaporean satellites, TeLEOS-2 and Lumelite-4, onboard the PSLV in April 2023. Once operational, DS-SAR will play a crucial role in meeting the satellite imagery requirements of various agencies within the government of Singapore. ST Engineering will utilize the satellite to provide multi-modal and higher responsiveness imagery and geospatial services to their commercial customers. The DS-SAR satellite is equipped with a sophisticated Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). This technology enables the satellite to provide high-resolution imaging at 1-meter resolution, even in adverse weather conditions and during nighttime.
In addition to DS-SAR, PSLV-C56 will carry six co-passenger satellites:
VELOX-AM: A 23 kg technology demonstration microsatellite.
ARCADE: An experimental satellite focused on Atmospheric Coupling and Dynamics Exploration.
SCOOB-II: A 3U nanosatellite carrying 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 operating in low earth orbit.
ORB-12 STRIDER: A satellite developed through international collaboration.
The upcoming PSLV-C56 mission highlights ISRO’s continued efforts in providing launch services to international partners while advancing space technology and research. The collaboration with Singapore reaffirms India’s position as a key player in the global space sector and opens new avenues for further cooperation between the two nations. The successful deployment of DS-SAR and its co-passenger satellites will not only bolster Singapore’s capabilities in satellite imagery and geospatial services but also contribute to scientific research and advancements in satellite technology worldwide. The launch is eagerly anticipated by space enthusiasts and stakeholders alike as India takes another stride forward in its ambitious space exploration journey.