ISRO's PSLV-C56 Successfully Deploys DS-SAR Satellite and Six Co-Passenger Satellites for Singapore

In a remarkable feat, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the PSLV-C56 rocket, carrying a total of seven satellites, including the DS-SAR satellite, into the near-equatorial orbit (NEO) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Following a flawless lift-off, the rocket separated from the satellites and skillfully positioned them into their intended orbits, covering a distance of 535 km.

The DS-SAR satellite, developed through a collaborative partnership involving Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency and ST Engineering, will now be launched into a near-equatorial orbit at an inclination of 5 degrees and an altitude of 535 km.

Once operational, the DS-SAR satellite will play a pivotal role in supporting the satellite imagery requirements of various government agencies within Singapore. Equipped with a cutting-edge Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, the satellite offers all-weather, day and night coverage capabilities, and is capable of imaging with impressive 1-meter resolution.

Alongside the DS-SAR satellite, the PSLV-C56 also carried six co-passenger customer satellites, each serving unique purposes. These include VELOX-AM, a 23 kg technology demonstration microsatellite; ARCADE, an experimental satellite designed for 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 both urban and remote areas; Galassia-2, a 3U nanosatellite to orbit at low earth orbit; and ORB-12 STRIDER, developed under an international collaboration.

The successful deployment of the DS-SAR satellite and the accompanying co-passenger satellites marks the 58th flight of PSLV and the 17th flight of PSLV in core alone configuration, reaffirming ISRO's outstanding track record in satellite launches and contributions to space exploration.

This collaborative effort between ISRO and the Government of Singapore exemplifies the commitment to advancements in space technology and international cooperation in the realm of satellite missions. The successful launch paves the way for enhanced satellite imaging capabilities for Singapore and opens up new possibilities for future joint space missions.

Here are five key facts about the ISRO PSLV-C56 mission:

1. DS-SAR Satellite: The DS-SAR satellite, weighing 360kg, was developed through a collaboration between the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) representing the Government of Singapore and ST Engineering. It is designed to be launched into a Near-equatorial Orbit (NEO) at an inclination of 5 degrees and an altitude of 535 km.

2. PSLV-C56 Procured by NSIL: The New Space India Limited (NSIL) procured the 44.4 meters tall PSLV-C56 rocket to carry and deploy the DS-SAR satellite. Known as the "workhorse of ISRO," the PSLV has a proven track record of reliably delivering various satellites into low earth orbits.

3. Support for Satellite Imagery Requirements: Once deployed and operational, the DS-SAR satellite will serve the satellite imagery requirements of various government agencies within Singapore, as per ISRO's plans.

4. Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Payload: The DS-SAR satellite is equipped with a state-of-the-art Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload developed by Israel Aerospace Industries. This advanced technology enables the satellite to provide all-weather day and night coverage and achieve imaging at an impressive 1-meter resolution.

5. Co-Passenger Satellites: Alongside the DS-SAR, the PSLV-C56 mission will carry six co-passenger customer satellites with distinct purposes. These include 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 enabling seamless IoT connectivity in both urban and remote locations; Galassia-2, a 3U nanosatellite designated for low earth orbit; and ORB-12 STRIDER, developed under international collaboration.

The successful deployment of these satellites will mark another significant achievement for ISRO and its collaborative efforts with the Government of Singapore, fostering advancements in space technology and strengthening international space partnerships.