The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has done a remarkable well by successfully launching eight satellites into two orbits using a single rocket, PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle). This is a successful story of innovation, technical expertise and excellence scripted by the Indian scientists. PSLV has already launched 121 satellites with 37 successful flights.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), formed in 1969, is self reliant in space technology. It develops and delivers application specific satellite products and tools to the Nation. It is one of the six largest space agencies in the world and has one of the largest fleet of multipurpose Geo-stationary satellites for telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, weather forecasts, disaster management tools, Geographic Information Systems, cartography, navigation, telemedicine, dedicated distance education satellites and has satellites for search and rescue operations as INSAT (Indian National Satellite System) and IRS (Indian Remote Sensing) satellites that cater to the ever growing demand for fast and reliable communication and earth observation respectively. ISRO has developed reliable and cost effective PSLVs that are favoured carrier for satellites of various countries and have promoted unprecedented international collaborations.
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Important Facts About ISRO
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Apart from technological capability, ISRO has also contributed to science and education in the country. Various dedicated research centres and autonomous institutions for remote sensing, astronomy and astrophysics, atmospheric sciences and space sciences in general function under the aegis of Department of Space. ISRO’s own Lunar and interplanetary missions along with other scientific projects encourage and promote science education, apart from providing valuable data to the scientific community which in turn enriches science.
ISRO is moving forward with the development of heavy lift launchers, human spaceflight projects, reusable launch vehicles, semi-cryogenic engines, SSTO (Single Stage to Orbit) to TSTO (Two Stage to Orbit) vehicles and so on, development and use of composite materials for space applications etc
ISRO’s next big space vehicle is an advanced Indian mega space launcher GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) Mark-III to be launched in December, 2016 with a 4,000-kg payload, having just achieved the GSLV for lifting 2,000-kg payloads. When fitted suitably into a launch vehicle, it will see India putting satellites of the class of 6,000 to 10,000 kilos or with some variations; lift even 15,000-kg payloads, to geostationary transfer orbits at 36,000 km. The engine is expected to triple or quadruple ISRO’s transportation ability. The engine will use space-grade kerosene as fuel and liquid oxygen as oxidiser. The development is going on at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre and the ISRO Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu. Apart from powering rockets to lift heavier satellites, it will also effectively lower the cost per kilogram to reach orbits, which is the goal of all space-faring nations.
India is a major competitor in the multibillion-dollar space market on the back of low-cost innovation. A successful satellite launch requires and brings together different technological innovations and solutions. The focus should be on developing these technological innovations and solutions for commercial applications but of course not at the cost of its strategic interests.
ISRO should trigger economy-wide technological innovations and solutions. There are many emerging areas of advanced manufacturing, relating to robotics, artificial intelligence, equipment for high-speed communications, new materials, nano-technology and new-generation drugs which hardly have any Indian presence. Economic and national security calls for such presence, as Indian Space Research Organisation’s in space.
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