ISRO’s PSLV-C56: DS-SAR Mission Rehearsal Completed for India’s 90th Space Venture

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for its 90th space mission, the PSLV-C56, also known as the DS-SAR Mission. Scheduled to launch on Sunday, July 30, 2023, this mission marks another milestone in India’s space exploration endeavors. In collaboration with New Space India Limited (NSIL), ISRO will launch seven Singaporean satellites into space, furthering the global spirit of space collaboration.

The DS-SAR Satellite: A Technological Marvel The centerpiece of the PSLV-C56 mission is the DS-SAR satellite, a 360-kilogram marvel developed through a partnership between the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and ST Engineering from Singapore. DS-SAR features a synthetic aperture radar payload developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, capable of capturing high-resolution images throughout the day for various governmental agencies in Singapore. Additionally, ST Engineering will leverage DS-SAR to provide geospatial services to commercial customers, enhancing their capabilities in the realm of satellite technology.

Diverse Co-passenger Satellites Alongside DS-SAR, PSLV-C56 will carry six co-passenger satellites, each contributing to scientific exploration and technological advancements. Developed by prestigious institutions and aerospace companies in Singapore, these satellites include Velox-AM, ARCADE, SCOOB-II, NuLIoN, Galassia-2, and ORB-12 Strider. The mission aims to enhance global space capabilities by deploying a diverse range of satellites for various purposes.

Livestreaming the Launch The excitement of the PSLV-C56 launch can be experienced by space enthusiasts worldwide through ISRO’s official website, YouTube channel, Facebook account, and on DD National. The livestream will commence at 6:00 am IST on Sunday, offering a front-row view of this historic event.

Progress in Gaganyaan Mission In addition to the PSLV-C56 mission, ISRO achieved significant progress in its Gaganyaan mission with successful hot tests of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS). These tests, conducted at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Tamil Nadu, will play a vital role in determining the performance of the orbital module, furthering India’s ambitions in human spaceflight.

The PSLV-C56 mission stands as a testament to international collaboration and cutting-edge satellite technology. With DS-SAR at its core and a constellation of co-passenger satellites, the mission exemplifies ISRO’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration. As the launch approaches, space enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate witnessing another milestone in India’s remarkable space journey. The PSLV-C56 mission embodies the spirit of exploration, innovation, and cooperation, propelling humanity towards new frontiers in space.