The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), a leading pioneer in the field of space exploration, has excitingly announced its forthcoming space mission, scheduled to take place at the break of dawn, precisely at 6:30 a.m. on the 30th of July. ISRO is known for its remarkable feats in space science, and this time around, it's poised to embark on another important mission that further boosts India's status in the global space community.

The mission involves the launch of the PSLV-C56 rocket, which will be lifting off from the famed Satish Dhawan Space Centre located in Sriharikota.

The primary passenger onboard the PSLV-C56 is the DS-SAR satellite, a 360-kilogram space equipment from Singapore. This satellite will be transported to a Near-equatorial Orbit (NEO) specifically at a 5-degree inclination and an altitude of 535 kilometers, as per the details released by ISRO through its official Twitter handle.

What makes the DS-SAR satellite particularly interesting is its origin story. It is a product of a significant partnership between two of Singapore's most important entities - the government's Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and a reputed corporation known as ST Engineering. This joint venture reflects the mutual efforts and aspirations of both organizations to contribute to space research and technology.

Upon reaching its destined orbit and becoming fully functional, the DS-SAR satellite will serve a crucial role. It will cater to the satellite imagery requirements of numerous agencies that operate under the Government of Singapore. Moreover, ST Engineering plans to leverage it to deliver multi-modal and higher responsiveness imagery along with geospatial services to their extensive network of commercial clients.

But DS-SAR isn't journeying to space alone. It has six other co-travelers accompanying it on this mission. The VELOX-AM, a 23-kilogram technology demonstration microsatellite, is among them. Another exciting participant is the Atmospheric Coupling and Dynamics Explorer (ARCADE), an experimental satellite designed for advanced space research.

Also onboard is the SCOOB-II, a compact 3U nanosatellite designed to carry a technology demonstrator payload. The NuLIoN, another advanced 3U nanosatellite developed by NuSpace, aims to enhance Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity in both urban and remote locations, which is crucial for the digital age.

Additionally, the Galassia-2, a 3U nanosatellite will be dispatched into low earth orbit. Lastly, the ORB-12 STRIDER, a product of international collaboration, will be part of this impressive satellite entourage.

As per the ISRO's technical briefing, the PSLV-C56 rocket that will undertake this mission is set up in its core-alone mode. This configuration is akin to the successful C55 mission, thereby indicating ISRO's continued reliance on proven and effective space technologies.

This mission, characterized by its exciting potential, marks another proud moment in India's illustrious space journey. It's a testament to the nation's technical prowess and the ability to foster international collaboration in the quest to explore the final frontier: space.

The PSLV-C56/DS-SAR Mission: A Detailed Look

As the month of July 2023 draws to a close, a momentous occasion is set to unfold at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, India. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced its intention to launch the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) - C56 carrying the distinguished DS-SAR satellite and a host of six other co-passengers. This significant launch is scheduled to occur from the first launch-pad of the esteemed SDSC-SHAR, marking another milestone in the annals of space exploration.

The PSLV-C56 is built in its unique 'core-alone' mode, similar in design and functionality to its predecessor, the PSLV-C55. This powerful launch vehicle has been commissioned with the task of propelling the 360 kg DS-SAR satellite into a Near-equatorial Orbit (NEO), precisely at an inclination of 5 degrees and a carefully measured altitude of 535 kilometers. This distinctive orbit positioning allows the satellite to perform its functions optimally.

DS-SAR: The Main Passenger

Developed through a strategic partnership between the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and ST Engineering, the DS-SAR satellite represents the progressive technological capabilities of Singapore. DSTA, acting as a representative of the Government of Singapore, played a crucial role in the development and fine-tuning of this satellite.

Once deployed and fully operational, the DS-SAR will provide substantial support to the imagery requirements of various government agencies in Singapore. It will play a crucial role in generating multi-modal and highly responsive imagery and geospatial services. ST Engineering will leverage these capabilities to serve its commercial customers, contributing to an array of industries that rely on precise and up-to-date satellite imagery.

The DS-SAR satellite boasts of a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload, which is a product of the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). This advanced technology endows the DS-SAR with the capability to provide all-weather coverage throughout the day and night. It is capable of imaging at a resolution of 1 meter at full polarimetry, which makes it a potent asset for a variety of applications.

The Co-passengers of PSLV-C56/DS-SAR Mission

Accompanying the DS-SAR on its journey into space are six other noteworthy payloads. VELOX-AM, a 23 kg technology demonstration microsatellite, leads the list. It's followed by the ARCADE Atmospheric Coupling and Dynamics Explorer (ARCADE), an experimental satellite that aims to push the boundaries of our knowledge about atmospheric interactions.

The third is SCOOB-II, a 3U nanosatellite with a technology demonstrator payload. NuLIoN by NuSpace, an advanced 3U nanosatellite follows next, bringing along its promise to enable seamless Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity in both bustling urban and remote locations.

The fifth co-passenger, Galassia-2, another 3U nanosatellite, will be set on its journey to a low earth orbit, while the final satellite, ORB-12 STRIDER, is a product of international collaboration that manifests the spirit of global cooperation in the pursuit of space exploration.

This launch underlines ISRO's continued commitment to providing space-borne platforms for a variety of applications, serving not just India but the global community as well. It is a mission filled with expectations, promises, and the potential to unlock new frontiers in our understanding of space and our ability to use it for the betterment of humanity.