Isro’s PSLV-C3 rocket lifted off with almost clockwork precision on Monday, injecting five foreign satellites into space. The mission’s success could transform rocket science from a perceived money-guzzler into real revenue earner for India.
As PM Narendra Modi joined top scientists at the mission control centre in Sriharikota, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle reiterated its efficiency, lifting off at 9.52 am. Within 20 minutes, it had injected the SPOT-7, a 714 kg French earth observation satellite, and four other lighter ones from Canada, Germany and Singapore. Isro chairman K Radhakrishnan said that it was a high-precision exercise. “To put the satellite at an altitude of 655km, we could afford an error margin of 20 km, but we reached as near as 7 km.“
Monday's was an exclusive commercial launch that cemented India's place as a sought-after launch pad for foreign satellites. It also marked the PSLV's 26th consecutive successful launch.
Radhakrishnan said that the organization has lined up at least three big commercial launches of five foreign satellites in the next two years. “Early next year, we will launch a set of three satellites for the UK. The next one, for Singapore, will have a co-passenger satellite. This will be followed by the launch of a German satellite.“
Antrix Corporation, the government's space commerce company , has been making more money every year. Antrix increased its revenue from Rs.1,300 crore in 2012-13 to about Rs.1,600 in 2013-14.
CMD V S Hegde has forecast a 15% rise in revenue the next fiscal. While global rates for satellite launches hover around Rs 9-12 lakh a kg, Antrix charged the Italian Space Agency Rs 17 lakh a kg to launch its 352 kg satellite Agile on board PSLV-C8 in 2007 because of the orbit and inclination specifications.
No comments:
Post a Comment