Tata Advanced Systems Limited Successfully Deploys TSAT-1A Satellite into Space

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) recently celebrated the successful deployment of its sub-metre resolution optical satellite, TSAT-1A, into space. The deployment took place as part of the Bandwagon-1 mission, with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket facilitating the launch. Let’s delve deeper into the details of this achievement.

Background Information

• TASL and Satellogic entered into a collaboration in November 2023, aiming to develop and integrate an advanced earth observation satellite.
• The satellite, TSAT-1A, boasts high-resolution optical imaging capabilities and was launched from Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, U.S., at 11:16 p.m. UTC on April 7.

TASL’s Statement

• TASL highlighted the significance of this achievement, emphasizing their commitment to the space sector and showcasing their partnership with Satellogic.
• The assembly of TSAT-1A took place at TASL’s Assembly, Integration, and Testing plant in Karnataka.

Satellogic’s Perspective

• Emiliano Kargieman, CEO of Satellogic, lauded the flexibility of their space systems program, which allows customization to meet specific requirements of governments and enterprises.

SpaceX’s Role

• SpaceX described the Bandwagon-1 mission as its first dedicated rideshare mission into a mid-inclination orbit, offering higher revisit rates compared to other orbits.
• In addition to TSAT-1A, the mission carried 11 other spacecraft from various entities, including Korea, HawkEye 360, Tyvak International, iQPS, and Capella Space.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. When was TSAT-1A deployed into space?
   A) November 2023
   B) April 7
   C) January 1
   D) February 15
   Answer: B) April 7
2. Where was TSAT-1A launched from?
   A) Bangalore, India
   B) Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, U.S.
   C) Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S.
   D) Moscow, Russia
   Answer: B) Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, U.S.
3. What capability does TSAT-1A offer through its multispectral and hyperspectral capabilities?
   A) Low-latency delivery
   B) Increased collection capacity
   C) Dynamic range
   D) All of the above
   Answer: D) All of the above
4. Where was TSAT-1A assembled?
   A) Vemagal facility, Karnataka
   B) Kennedy Space Centre, Florida
   C) Satellogic’s headquarters
   D) SpaceX’s integration facility
   Answer: A) Vemagal facility, Karnataka
5. Who is the CEO of Satellogic?
   A) Sukaran Singh
   B) Emiliano Kargieman
   C) Elon Musk
   D) Jeff Bezos
   Answer: B) Emiliano Kargieman