Correspondent
In a landmark mission, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is all set to launch the PSLV-C56 rocket carrying Singapore's DS-SAR satellite and six additional co-passenger satellites on July 30, 2023, at 06:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST). The historic launch will take place from the first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota.
The PSLV-C56 rocket has been acquired by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), which will be responsible for deploying the DS-SAR satellite, in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and ST Engineering from Singapore. The mission marks a significant step in the growing partnership between India and Singapore in the field of space exploration and technology.
The primary payload of this mission is the DS-SAR satellite, developed jointly by DSTA and ST Engineering. DS-SAR stands for "Deployable Synthetic Aperture Radar," and it is a state-of-the-art satellite equipped with advanced synthetic aperture radar technology. This technology allows the satellite to capture high-resolution images of the Earth's surface, even through cloud cover and adverse weather conditions. The DS-SAR satellite will play a crucial role in enhancing Singapore's capabilities in environmental monitoring, disaster management, and maritime security.
In addition to the DS-SAR satellite, the PSLV-C56 rocket will also carry six co-passenger satellites from Singaporean universities and private companies. These satellites are:
1.Velox-AM:A satellite developed by the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.
2.Arcade:Another payload from NTU, Singapore.
3.SCOOB-II:The third satellite from NTU, Singapore.
4.NuLIoN:A satellite from NuSpace Pte. Ltd., Singapore.
5.Galassia-2: Provided by the National University of Singapore (NUS).
6.ORB-12 Strider:From Aliena Pte. Ltd., Singapore.
The inclusion of these co-passenger satellites demonstrates the collaborative efforts and contributions from various educational institutions and private companies in Singapore towards advancing space technology and research.
This launch not only signifies India's prowess in the space domain but also reinforces its commitment to fostering international cooperation in space missions. The partnership between ISRO and Singapore's space organizations opens up new possibilities for joint ventures in the future, fostering scientific research, and technological advancements for both nations.
With the scheduled date approaching, space enthusiasts and scientists from India and Singapore are eagerly awaiting the PSLV-C56 mission's success. The deployment of the DS-SAR satellite and the six co-passenger satellites will undoubtedly mark a remarkable achievement in the journey of space exploration, benefitting both countries and promoting peaceful uses of outer space for the betterment of humanity.