PSLV-C55 successfully launches 2 Singapore satellites into orbit

Tirupati: The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) launched two Singapore satellites to space on board its trusted workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. More notably, for the third time, Isro scientists scripted a ‘POEM,’ using the last stage of the rocket, to perform seven experiments in space in what was called PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-2 (POEM).

The 44.4-metre-tall rocket, weighing 238 tonnes, took off on schedule from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre-Sriharikota Range in Sriharikota of Tirupati district on Saturday. This was the 57th mission of the rocket, and the 16th mission in the ‘core alone’ configuration.

NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial arm of Isro, had secured the deal to launch the two satellites — the 741-kg TeLEOS-2 and 16-kg Lumelite-4 of Singapore.

Declaring the mission successful, Isro chief S. Somnath said, “In its 57th mission, PSLV has demonstrated its higher reliability... We are happy that it did very well.”

TeLEOS-2, a synthetic aperture radar satellite, is intended to provide images to Singapore government entities. Lumelite-4 is a technology demonstrator.

With regard to POEM, the last stage of the rocket had non-separable payloads, which were powered by a solar panel. The experiments were by Isro, Bellatrix, Dhruva Space and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.

“That is another exciting thing to happen,” Somanath said, adding, “POEM is going to write some more poems.”