PSLV-C56 is a commercial mission that will have seven satellites as payloads and is lined up to launch off from Sriharikota on July 26, 2023.
On July 19, 2023, at 9:03 AM, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for a commercial mission using its reliable PSLV launch vehicle, following the successful launch of India’s third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, on the previous Friday.
The mission is scheduled for July 26. The PSLV-C56 will carry seven satellites, including the primary payload, the 351.9 kg earth observation satellite DS-SAR from Singapore, equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar technology.
The launch will take place from Sriharikota’s spaceport using the First Launch Pad. Sriharikota is a barrier island off the Bay of Bengal coast located in the Shar Project settlement of Tirupati district in Andhra Pradesh, India. It houses the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, one of the two satellite launch centres in India (the other being Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station.
ISRO scientists are diligently working on the mission preparations, resuming their activities shortly after the successful placement of Chandrayaan-3 into the precise orbit. For the July 26 mission, ISRO will utilize a ‘core alone’ variant of the PSLV.
In addition to DS-SAR, the PSLV will also carry secondary payloads, namely Arcade (23.58 kg), Velox-AM (23 kg), Orb-12 Strider (12.8 kg), and three nano satellites weighing less than 10 kg each. The three nano satellites are Galassia-2 (3.84 kg), SCOOB-II (4.1 kg), and NuLIon (3.05 kg), which will be placed in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
What is the Purpose of Sending Chandrayaan-3 to the Moon?
The purpose of sending Chandrayaan-3 to the Moon is to conduct a comprehensive exploration and scientific study of Earth’s natural satellite. The mission aims to build upon the knowledge gained from previous lunar missions and further enhance our understanding of the Moon’s geology, surface composition, mineral resources, and lunar atmosphere. Chandrayaan-3 will carry advanced instruments and payloads to gather valuable data that can contribute to scientific research, technological advancements, and potential future lunar exploration missions. It will also help to expand India’s expertise in space technology and strengthen its position in the global space community.