The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) recently carried out a successful launch of the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle)-C55/TeLEOS-2 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
Understanding the PSLV C55/TELEOS-2 Mission
The PSLV C55/TeLEOS-2 mission marks the 57th flight of PSLV and the 16th mission utilizing the PSLV Core Alone configuration (PSLV-CA). This launch is a dedicated commercial mission executed through NSIL (NewSpace India Limited). The primary satellite onboard the rocket is TeLEOS-2, with Lumelite-4 accompanying it as a co-passenger satellite. Both satellites are owned by Singapore.
The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-2 (POEM-2), used as an orbital platform to conduct scientific experiments, was also utilized in this mission. The POEM-2 carries non-separating payloads required for these experiments.
Key Features of TELEOS-2 Satellite
TeLEOS-2 is an Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) designed to perform remote sensing applications, much like its predecessor, TeLEOS-1, which was launched by ISRO in 2015. TeLEOS-2 is built with a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload capable of imaging at 1m full-polarimetric resolution. The SAR technology allows all-weather day and night coverage, utilizing the motion of the radar antenna to generate a high-resolution 3D image of the target area.
About LUMILITE-4 Satellite
As the mission’s co-passenger, Lumilite-4 is an advanced 12U satellite aimed at demonstrating the High-Performance Space-borne VHF Data Exchange System (VDES). The term “12U” represents its standardized CubeSat form factor. This form means that the Lumilite-4 measures 24 x 24 x 36 cm and has a volume of 20.7 liters. The purpose of this satellite is to enhance Singapore’s e-navigation maritime safety protocols and yield benefits for the global shipping community.
Workings of POEM
POEM or PSLV Orbital Experimental Module is a pioneering initiative by ISRO. POEM conducts in-orbit scientific experiments during the 4th stage of the PSLV launch vehicle as an orbital platform. In this four-stage rocket, the first three spent stages plunge back into the ocean while the final stage (PS4), after deploying the satellite into orbit, ends up as space debris.
POEM utilizes a dedicated Navigation Guidance and Control (NGC) system for attitude stabilization, which relates to maintaining the orientation of an aerospace vehicle within specified limits. This NGC acts as the platform’s brain to stabilize it with assured accuracy.
Finally, it is worth noting that the success of the PSLV C55/TeLEOS-2 mission further solidifies ISRO’s position in global space endeavors, demonstrating its proficiency in launching different types of satellites into space with precision.