The Hindu Business Line : `ISRO exploring low-cost access to space'

THE Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is exploring methods of gaining `low-cost access' to space, and improving India's competitiveness in the area, according to its Chairman, Mr G. Madhavan Nair.

To achieve this, ISRO has to bring down the costs of putting a kg of payload into space to something in the range of $500-1,000. At present the costs vary between $12,000-15,000 per kg using India's own satellite launch vehicles, he said while delivering the 13th Dr Y. Nayudamma Memorial Lecture at a function organised by the Dr Nayudamma Trust here.

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), ISRO's `workhorse' to launch satellites and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles (GSLV) which are under development, have capabilities of putting into space satellites (payloads), both Indian and foreign.

"We have embarked on initiatives to develop newer ways of reducing costs in space activity. These include systems that are recoverable and reusable. They should also adopt advanced propulsion concepts like air breathing," Mr Nair said.

A satellite recovery experiment has been planned for next year. It would provide inputs towards achieving re-entry/recovery objectives that are required to realise a reusable launch vehicle, the ISRO Chairman said.

As a step further, a demonstrator for developing newer technologies for the reusable launch vehicle has been conceived. This is in its initial phase of design.The current PSLV and GSLV can launch one-tonne class of remote sensing and two-tonne class communication satellites respectively to meet national needs. The GSLV-MKII, the new heavier lift launch, which is under development, will meet the four-tonne class communication satellite requirements.

Another important mission of ISRO is the planetary exploration or Chandrayaan mission. It will be a stepping stone towards launching a probe into a 100-km polar orbit around the moon in about four years from now using the PSLV. It is expected to explore the lunar surface and throw light on some aspects related to the origin of the earth, Mr Nair said.

Delving on the development of rocket technology in India, Mr Nair said the country has achieved self-reliance in multi-stage rocket systems for launching satellites for earth observation, scientific mission and communication. The futuristic need of low-cost access to space required innovative technologies and advanced materials.

To meet these ambitious programmes, ISRO looks forward to seeing specific centres of excellence to take space research in the universities and academic institutions apart from extended participation from the industries, Mr Nair said.

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