The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched six Singaporean Satellites into orbit, weighing more than 620 kg total.
They were on board the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C29) which took off from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota.
The primary satellite being TeLEOS-1, weighing in at 400 kg, is accompanied by two micro-satellites and three nano-satellites. They were all made by NUS, NTU, and a Singapore based engineering company.
The satellites were launched 30 seconds apart from each other so as to avoid collision. The satellites will sit at a 550 km circular orbit inclined at 15 degrees to the equator.
The satellites will capture images of Singapore, once every 100 minutes, while also tracking environmental threats.
TeLEOS-1, the largest satellite, features an electro-optical camera and four deployable fixed solar arrays. It will deliver high-resolution imagery for exact temporal change detection, geospatial mapping, and in-depth image analysis.
The launch marked the eleventh flight of PSLV-C29 in ‘core-alone’ configuration, or without the use of solid strap-on motors.
This event results in the first Singapore-made commercial earth observation satellite to orbit in space.
It is hoped that these satellites will be used for research in satellite imagery and applications. The data received from these satellites may also benefit the likes of government agencies such as the National Environment Agency and the Maritime Port Authority.
As Singapore is making great strides in research and technology, the nation should continue to make a great impact in the world with the help of their citizens and allies.
