Comments
As it prepares for Moon and Mars missions, ISRO is planning to hive off production of communication satellites and polar satellite launch vehicles (PSLV) to the industry.
The space agency is keen to focus on unique science projects, develop remote sensing satellites and do more R&D instead of engaging in the repetitive exercise of building communication satellites and launch vehicles.
“We want to explore the possibility of ‘producing’ PSLV and communication satellites through the industry,” Dr K. Radhakrishnan, Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation, told PTI in an interview here.
The ISRO and its commercial arm Antrix Corporation have called for a meeting with the industry in September in Bangalore for a dialogue on the proposal and identify different work models.
“We want to find out what models could work out and evolve a plan. There is lot of repetition in building communication satellites,” he said.
The industry participation in development of communication satellites is up to 80 per cent. If satellites and launch vehicles can be produced by industry players, ISRO scientists will be able to concentrate on research-oriented activities, and have greater involvement of academic institutions.
On plans for the immediate future, Dr Radhakrishnan said ISRO was developing powerful satellites which can have more number of transponders required for a slew of applications ranging from tele-medicine to DTH services.
Comments
COMMENT NOW
Comments
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of TheHindu Businessline and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.