DS-SAR, a Singaporean synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Earth observation satellite developed and produced by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), has been successfully launched into space on a PSLV-C56 (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) rocket, IAI announced on 30 July 2023.
The satellite was launched that day from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. It entered Earth orbit, began transmitting data, and underwent a series of preliminary performance tests conducted by IAI engineers to validate its correct functioning and performance.
The satellite is now conducting a preplanned series of tests, after which it will be formally handed over to its customers: the Singaporean Ministry of Defence’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and ST Electronics.
The DSTA and other Singaporean government agencies will use DS-SAR for various satellite imagery requirements, such as for maritime security and the detection of oil spills, while ST Electronics will use it to enhance the company’s commercial satellite imagery services.
DS-SAR, which was ordered by Singapore in 2018, will support TeLEOS 1: Singapore’s first commercial near-equatorial orbit (NEqO) Earth observation satellite that was built by ST Electronics and launched in December 2015.
DS-SAR was developed by IAI based on its experience developing the OptSat-3000 for the Italian Ministry of Defence (MoD), which was launched into space on 2 August 2017, and the TecSAR-1 satellite for the Israeli MoD, which was launched on 21 January 2008.
Peter Felstead
