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ISRO now set for South Asian Satellite launch by March end
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman AS Kiran Kumar. (PTI photo)
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Soon after the historic launch of 104 satellites at one go on Wednesday setting a world record, scientists and directors from ISRO centres here announced that the focus now will be on the launch of South Asian Satellite by the end of March.
"Definitely, ISRO's launch of maximum number of 104 satellites at one go including three domestic led by the advanced remote sensing satellite Cartosat-2 series and 101 foreign satellites on board PSLV-C37 has special significance, It will reduce the cost incurred for satellite launches," Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) director K Sivan told TOI, while on his way here from Sriharikota.
Globally, reducing the launch cost can help in placing a constellation of remote sensing and communication satellites which will benefit the society at large, he said. Now, the focus is on the launch of South Asian Satellite on board GSLV-Mark II by March end or by April first week, he said.
Proposed by the Prime Minister in November 2014 as a gift to the neighbouring countries, the South Asian satellite previously known as SAARC satellite project is for geo-spatial, communication and telemedicine applications. Last year, Pakistan opted out of the project. Apart from India, the satellite will benefit Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.
Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) director S Somnath also told TOI that now preparations are on for the launch of South Asian Satellite which is GSAT 9, a geostationary communications satellite on board GSLV-Mark II. "The first stage of solid boosters for GSLV-Mk II is complete at Sriharikota High Altitude Range (SHAR), second stage of four liquid strap-on boosters will be ready soon which is prepared by LPSC with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Further, for the third stage of indigenous cryogenic upper stage (CUS) engine, work is on at LPSC Mahendragiri," he said.
Simultaneously, preparations are on to develop the advanced indigenous cryogenic engine C25 with 25 ton propellants for GSLV Mk III, he said. While, the CUS developed with 12.5 ton propellants for GSLV-Mk II launch is similar to the previous successful GSLV-Mk II launches.
Till now, ISRO has launched a maximum 20 satellites at one go and it was on board PSLV-C34 on June 22 last year. While, Russia has launched a record 37 satellites in a single mission in 2014 and the US space agency NASA had launched 29 satellites at one go.
While admitting that commercial launches fetch big money for the Indian government through ISRO's commercial arm Antrix, the officials at ISRO centres here indicate that the launch costs are at least three to four times higher in other countries compared to India. Launch of PSLV -C37 roughly costs about Rs 100 crore, while launching the foreign satellites will help recover at least half the cost incurred, the officials said.
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