Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh) : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched C56 (PSLV-C56) with seven satellites from Sriharikota space centre, also known as the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, on Sunday at 6.30 am. ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C56) was a Dedicated Commercial Mission of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) for Singapore-based ST Engineering.
The primary satellite got separated from the rocket after 23 minutes of lift-off from the launch pad at SHAR space centre. This PSLV mission of ISRO came after the successful Chandrayaan-3 launch a few weeks ago.
Along with the six co-passenger customer satellites in this mission, DS-SAR, a Radar Imaging Earth Observation satellite, which is the primary satellite, has been put into orbit. The six co-passenger customer satellites also belong to Singapore. The satellites were scheduled to be injected into 535 km circular with 5 orbital inclination. In its 58th flight, the PSLV proved its robustness once again. It was PSLV's 17th flight in Core Alone configuration.
The upper stage of the rocket would be placed in lower orbit to ensure its reduced orbital life after injecting satellites. This PSLV-C56 launch was accomplished from First Launch Pad (FLP) located at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. The DS SAR satellite, which is the primary satellite, is developed under a partnership between DSTA (representing the Government of Singapore) and ST Engineering. This satellite will be used to support the satellite imagery requirements of various agencies within the Government of Singapore.
The ST Engineering will use this satellite for higher responsiveness imagery and geospatial services for their commercial customers. The DS-SAR bears a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload developed by the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). This allows the DS SAR to provide for all-weather day and night coverage, according to ISRO.
Located about 135 km from Chennai on the eastern coast, Sriharikota emerged as the space launch hub in the region. PSLV has become widely known as the workhorse of ISRO by virtue of delivering successful missions through the decades.
