The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched two Singaporean satellites for Earth observation into their intended orbit. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C55) was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 14:19 hours IST. The launch marks the 57th flight of the PSLV and demonstrates its reliability and suitability for commercial missions.
Significance for Indian Space Startup Ecosystem
The dedicated commercial mission was conducted through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm. The NSIL’s dedicated commercial rocket carried the two Singaporean satellites as main payloads and seven non-separating payloads belonging to ISRO, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, and startups Bellatrix and Dhruva Space. This launch has significance for the Indian space startup ecosystem as it demonstrates the country’s capabilities in commercial space missions.
Satellite Details
The TeLEOS-2 satellite is developed under a partnership between DSTA (representing the Government of Singapore) and ST Engineering. Once operational, it will support the satellite imagery requirements of various agencies within the Government of Singapore. It carries a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload and is capable of providing all-weather day and night coverage, and imaging at 1m full-polarimetric resolution. The LUMELITE-4 satellite is an advanced 12U satellite developed for the technological demonstration of the High-Performance Space-borne VHF Data Exchange System (VDES). It aims to augment Singapore’s e-navigation maritime safety and benefit the global shipping community.
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