ISRO TO LAUNCH THAI-SAT
The Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO) is to fabricate and launch a remote
sensing satellite for Thailand. The Antrix Corporation, commercial
wing of ISRO has submitted a proposal in this regard to Thailand
detailing aspects relating to the design, development and launch
of the remote sensing satellite. India is in the forefront in
not only designing and fabricating remote sensing satellites but
also in launching them with the time-tested PSLV.
India has already
entered the era of space commercialisation though in a small way,
by putting into orbit two satellites for Germany, one each for
Republic of Korea and Belgium. The Antrix Corporation has also
entered into a contract with the Nanyang Technical University
of Singapore for launching a remote sensing satellite called X-SAT
by PSLV.
In a couple of years
from now, India will have a bigger role in space commercialisation
when its own Geo-Synchronus Launch Vehicle (GSLV), currently in
advanced developmental stage, becomes operational. The GSLV will
have indigenous cryogenic upper stage now under integration after
successful test firings of the cryogenic engine. The first flight
demonstration of the cryogenic upper stage is planned for sometime
during 2004-05. The GSLV when ready will help launch heavier satellites
like the INSAT from our own soil. This will not only cut down
our dependence on Foreign Agencies for launching our INSATs but
also help in putting into space satellites of other countries,
in Geo-stationary orbit.
