ISRO successfully launches PSLV-C55 mission

Tags: Science and Technology National News

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 22nd April successfully launched its PSLV-C55/TeLEOS-2 mission, sending two Singapore-made satellites into space.

An overview of the news

• The launch vehicle lifted off at its scheduled launch time from Isro's Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota.

About Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle C55 (PSLV-C55) mission 

• It is a ‘dedicated commercial’ mission undertaken by ISRO through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the space agency's commercial arm.

• Of the two satellites, TeLEOS-2 is the primary one, and Lumelite-4, the ‘co-passenger.' These weight about 741 kg and 16 kg respectively.

• TeLEOS-2 has been developed under a partnership between the Government of Singapore and Singapore Technologies Engineering Limited.

• Once deployed and operational, it will meet the satellite imagery requirements of various agencies under the Government of Singapore.

• On the other hand, LumiLite-4 has been jointly developed by the Institute for Infocomm Research and the National University of Singapore. It aims to enhance the maritime security of the state.

• The mission also marks the 57th flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

• The rocket will place the two satellites into an eastward inclincation orbit.

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)

• It was established on 15 August 1969.

• It is the national space agency of India. It launches its space rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

• Headquarters: Bengaluru

• Chairman: S Somnath

• Founder - Vikram Sarabhai