The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is making headlines with its forthcoming launch of Singapore’s TeLEOS-2 satellite. Set to be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, in Sriharikota, the mission will be executed by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) of ISRO. The TeLEOS-2 satellite is the primary satellite for this dedicated commercial mission, carried out through NSIL, with Lumelite-4 being a co-passenger satellite.
A Close Look at TeLEOS-2 Satellite
Weighing 741 kg, TeLEOS-2 is an Earth Observation Satellite equipped with synthetic aperture radar capable of providing data in 1-meter resolution. Its high-resolution camera can capture images with a ground resolution of up to one meter. The main goal of TeLEOS-2 is to provide high-resolution imagery of the Earth’s surface. It aims to help in various domains such as urban planning, disaster management, maritime safety, and environmental monitoring. Further, it is expected to boost Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative, which seeks to leverage technology to enhance citizens’ quality of life.
The Workhorse of ISRO: PSLV
PSLV, a robust third-generation launch vehicle developed by ISRO has established itself as the “Workhorse of ISRO” owing to its consistent performance. The PSLV is designed in four stages. The initial stage uses a solid rocket motor, boosted by six solid strap-on boosters. The second stage makes use of an earth storable liquid rocket engine known as the Vikas engine, designed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. The third stage is a solid rocket motor that delivers high thrust for the upper stages once the launch vehicle clears the Earth’s atmosphere. The final stage of PSLV is equipped with two Earth-storable liquid engines. It has the distinction of being the first Indian launch vehicle equipped with liquid stages. Notably, it successfully launched two spacecraft – Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and Mars Orbiter Spacecraft in 2013, which later travelled to Moon and Mars respectively.
ISRO-Singapore Space Collaborations: Past and Ongoing
The upcoming TeLEOS-2 will be the second satellite ISRO is launching for Singapore, succeeding the TeLEOS-1 launched in 2015. TeLEOS-1, Singapore’s first commercial Earth observation satellite, aimed to provide easy access to high temporal imagery to support quick response to time-sensitive events. Collaboration between ISRO and ST Engineering has further resulted in the development of other space-related projects, such as a satellite ground station in Singapore.
PYQs on India’s Satellite Launch Vehicles for UPSC Civil Services Examination
In the 2018 UPSC Civil Services Examination, a reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles was included in this question: “PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 2 (d) 3 only”. The correct answer was (a).