India: The Indian space agency is working on a business model to partner with public and private industries to have a higher level of participation in the space sector, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K Radhakrishnan told media during the press conference post the launch of the IRNSS-1B satellite.
Radhakrishnan stated the industries' participation is sought to increase the production of satellites and rockets so that ISRO can focus on other core areas. During the 12th Plan period, ISRO is planning to have 60 missions including satellites and rockets.
Radhakrishan added that two more satellites will be launched by the end of 2014 so that the system can send signals, and another three satellites will be launched early 2015. The full system will be in place by mid-2015. He also informed media that each satellite will cost around INR150 crore and there will be a total of nine (seven in the space and two as stand-by on ground). The total cost for the satellites will be around INR 1,350 crore. In addition there will be investments made in setting up a chain of ground stations which will be around INR1,000 crore.
ISRO will also be launching the French satellite SPOT-7 and four other foreign satellites in a PSLV rocket and test its heavier rocket – the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark III version this June. Updating on the status of the cryogenic engine, he said, “It is getting ready and by May 15 it will arrive here.” ISRO also informed that since the launch of IRNSS-1B satellite (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1B), it has thrice raised the orbit of the satellite.
Source: Business Standard
