ISRO launches PSLV-C55 with two Singapore satellites

Introduction:

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched two Singapore satellites, TeLEOS-2 and Lumelite-4, using its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C55) on April 17, 2021. The PSLV-C55 was a dedicated commercial mission of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) for an international customer from Singapore. TeLEOS-2 carries a Synthetic Aperture Radar payload, while Lumelite-4 is a technology demonstration nano-satellite.

Details of TeLEOS-2:

• TeLEOS-2 was developed under a partnership between DSTA (representing the Government of Singapore) and ST Engineering, a Singapore firm.
• It will support the satellite imagery requirements of various agencies of Singapore.
• TeLEOS-2 is capable of imaging at 1-metre full-polarimetric resolution, providing all-weather day-and-night coverage.
• It is expected to be deployed and operational soon.

Details of Lumelite-4:

• Lumelite-4 was co-developed by the Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) of Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Satellite Technology and Research Centre (STAR) of the National University of Singapore.
• It 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.
• Lumelite-4 is expected to help in the development of a scalable satellite bus platform.

PS4 Stage as an Orbital Platform:

• PSLV-C55 mission will carry out in-orbit scientific experiments by using the spent PS4 stage as an orbital platform.
• This is the third time that PS4 will be used after satellite separations as a platform for experiments.
• Non-separable payloads will be mounted on MSA (multi satellite adapter).
• Payloads will be powered on by a command after all satellites are separated.
• The platform will have solar panels mounted around the PS4 tank which will be deployed after confirmation of the stage achieving stabilisation.
• The deployment of the solar panels will be through a ground command.
• The platform will ensure that the deployed solar panel points towards the sun optimally using appropriate sun-pointing mode, which will increase the power generation capability of the platform.
• The power will be provided to payloads and avionic packages based on their requirements.

Conclusion:

• The successful launch of PSLV-C55 carrying two Singapore satellites, TeLEOS-2 and Lumelite-4, marks another milestone for ISRO and NSIL in their efforts to provide commercial launch services to the international satellite industry. The use of the spent PS4 stage as an orbital platform for scientific experiments also demonstrates the innovative use of space technology.