ISRO to launch Google satellite

[Aarush]

The Indian Space Research Organisation will be launching a satellite for Google’s Sky Box Imaging for GPS maps this year from its spaceport at Sriharikota.

This will be the first US satellite to be launched by Isro.

Google, which has acquired the satellite imaging company Sky Box Imaging, wants to develop precision maps using its own network of 180-odd satellites.

The first among them is Sky Sat Gen II. Sky Box had entered into an agreement with Antrix Corporation before its takeover to launch the 120-kg satellite. It will be flown as a co-passenger along with the main payload during one of the satellite launchings this year. According to senior officials involved in space research, Google is keen on making use of Skybox satellites to keep Google Maps closer to real-time, accurate with up-to-date imagery.

Google is also keen on using Skybox’s team and technology to help improve Internet access and disaster relief, the areas in which the company has long been interested.

Shar director Dr M.Y.S. Prasad said that Sky Box Imaging had approached them to launch one of its satellites and had also informed that they had plans to place 180 micro satellites in orbit. “They may launch experimental satellites before going ahead. Although they want to us to launch a single satellite now, there is potential in future. This is the first US-based satellite being launched by Isro,” Dr Prasad said.

ISRO to launch Google satellite | The Asian Age

 

[Радж Синха]

ISRO Makes us proud !!!!! JAI HIND !!!!
They do everything in Rajni style ....

 

[Pangu]

Sounds great! I hope we get up-to-date maps on Google Map & Google Earth.

 

[Judge]

Good for ISRO.

 

[thesolar65]

Sounds great! I hope we get up-to-date maps on Google Map & Google Earth.

I also wish that, one week or a months update will also do.

 

[Pangu]

I also wish that, one week or a months update will also do.

Besides our own space program(China), I'm also most interested in India's. You guys did a fantastic job using very low cost e.g. Mars Probe. So congrats on moving forward in your space program, competition is good. Also, it's time Asia take the next step into space.

 

[Ind4Ever]

Amazing .... Our PM will get some more investment by bringing in ISRO and Google Sat .

Make us proud b

 

[SwAggeR]

Antrix is the cheapest satellite delivery company in delivering below 2000 kg payload.Organisations on tight budget would approach us even more readily in future.
Having said that I would like GOI to at least double the payscale of ISRO, HAL and DRDO employs

 

[kadamba-warrior]

The Indian Space Research Organisation will be launching a satellite for Google’s Sky Box Imaging for GPS maps this year from its spaceport at Sriharikota.

This will be the first US satellite to be launched by Isro.

Google, which has acquired the satellite imaging company Sky Box Imaging, wants to develop precision maps using its own network of 180-odd satellites.

The first among them is Sky Sat Gen II. Sky Box had entered into an agreement with Antrix Corporation before its takeover to launch the 120-kg satellite. It will be flown as a co-passenger along with the main payload during one of the satellite launchings this year. According to senior officials involved in space research, Google is keen on making use of Skybox satellites to keep Google Maps closer to real-time, accurate with up-to-date imagery.

Google is also keen on using Skybox’s team and technology to help improve Internet access and disaster relief, the areas in which the company has long been interested.

Shar director Dr M.Y.S. Prasad said that Sky Box Imaging had approached them to launch one of its satellites and had also informed that they had plans to place 180 micro satellites in orbit. “They may launch experimental satellites before going ahead. Although they want to us to launch a single satellite now, there is potential in future. This is the first US-based satellite being launched by Isro,” Dr Prasad said.

ISRO to launch Google satellite | The Asian Age

This is big!

Even if ISRO doesn't manage to get all those orders to launch 180 satellites, and even if this order itself is pretty small, Google approaching ISRO instead of US private players (a la SpaceX) tells me that they see advantages launching their satellites with ISRO. This will give ISRO a huge boost in their profile in US markets.