In private space

Isro?s move to let in private players will give it low-cost access to space. Also, Isro scientists would get more time to focus on R&D.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro)’s indigenisation programme that began over a decade ago looks set to pick up some steam, going by the space agency’s decision to outsource the manufacture of satellite launch vehicles. It provides an excellent roadmap for the space agency to become a leader in the highly competitive global satellite launch services market. Last April, the space agency announced plans to outsource several small to mid-sized satellites -- ranging from 300 kg to 2,000 kg -- to private industry, and their manpower and facilities. Isro will provide the requisite training for the industry at its centres and share its time-tested design, drawings and testing facilities.

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Isro has so far built a couple of dozen satellites for weather, earth imaging, telecommunication and broadcasting. Corporate houses like Godrej, the Tatas, L&T, HAL and the Mahindras already supply critical systems, spacecraft parts and liquid propulsion launch vehicles. Therefore, opening the door wider could encourage many more big players to join in the effort to bolster India’s launch capability, which boasts 30 to 35 per cent cheaper launches than other countries. In fact, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota has immense potential to emerge as a major space launch hub, rivalling similar facilities in Europe and the US. This will be highlighted later this month when the Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) launches India’s heaviest satellite yet -- the 2.2 tonne Insat 4C -- into orbit from Sriharikota.

Isro’s move to let in private players will also give it low-cost access to space. Also, involving the industry would leave Isro scientists free to focus on R&D. Given that hardware costs 70 per cent of a launch, a Recoverable Launch Vehicle (RLV) would make a cost-effective space transportation system, since both the booster and the upper stage of the spacecraft are reusable.