The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for its next significant launch, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C56) mission, scheduled for July 30, 2023, at 6:30 a.m. The PSLV-C56 will take off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, deploying the DS-SAR satellite as its primary payload, along with six co-passenger satellites, into a Near-equatorial Orbit (NEO).
The PSLV-C56 will be configured in its core-alone mode, similar to the successful PSLV-C55 mission launched in April of the same year. This variant of the PSLV does not use solid rocket strap-on motors in its first stage, providing a flexible launch vehicle adaptable to diverse mission requirements.
The primary payload, the DS-SAR satellite, weighs 360 kg and is a result of a partnership between DSTA (representing the Government of Singapore) and ST Engineering. This satellite is equipped with a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
The advanced SAR technology enables the DS-SAR to offer all-weather day and night coverage, capable of imaging at 1m-resolution at full polarimetry.
The DS-SAR will fulfill the satellite imagery needs of various Singapore government agencies and provide multi-modal and highly responsive imagery and geospatial services for ST Engineering's commercial clientele.
Accompanying the DS-SAR are six co-passenger satellites, each contributing to various scientific and technological objectives.
These satellites include
VELOX-AM, a technology demonstration microsatellite
ARCADE, an experimental satellite;
SCOOB-II, a 3U nanosatellite with a technology demonstrator payload;
NuLIoN by NuSpace, an advanced 3U nanosatellite enabling seamless IoT connectivity in urban and remote locations;
Galassia-2, a 3U nanosatellite set to orbit at low earth orbit;
ORB-12 STRIDER, a satellite developed through international collaboration3
This upcoming PSLV-C56 mission follows ISRO's successful launch of the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission on July 14, 2023, reflecting the organization's ambitious space exploration program and its dedication to advancing India's capabilities in space technology and contributing to global space research. This launch signifies another milestone for ISRO and reinforces the country's position in the field of space exploration and satellite technology.
Edited By: Aman Sirigineedi | Brahmastra Services
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