ISRO to launch its heaviest satellite
Reuters
Thursday, June 29, 2006 19:34 IST
SRIHARIKOTA: India's space agency is set to launch its heaviest satellite, a move that will catapult the country into the multi-billion dollar launch market.
The new communications satellite weighs 2.2 tonnes and is due to lift off in mid-July from Sriharikota, India's space port on the southeastern coast.
India has launched similar class of satellites using Ariane rockets from Kourou in French Guyana.
“There is no doubt about our launch capabilities,†said M Annamalai, director of the Sriharikota space port, late on Wednesday.
“We have had 11 consecutive successful rocket launches and we are now entering a new phase of launching heavier satellites.â€
He said India aimed to get a slice of the estimated $2 billion global satellite launch market, adding launches from India would be 30 to 35 percent cheaper than other countries.
“It is going to be busy time from next year. We are planning four launches yearly,†Annamalai said.
The scientist said the 2.2 tonne satellite launch would be followed by launches of three other satellites, including an Indonesian-built mini-satellite.
The Indian Space Research Organisation is investing $543 million to upgrade infrastructure for launching heavier rockets to carry satellites weighing four tonnes.
The agency is preparing for an unmanned moon mission in 2008.
Source :- DNA
How I wish I can be there in Saharikota to view this momentous occasion
Reuters
Thursday, June 29, 2006 19:34 IST
SRIHARIKOTA: India's space agency is set to launch its heaviest satellite, a move that will catapult the country into the multi-billion dollar launch market.
The new communications satellite weighs 2.2 tonnes and is due to lift off in mid-July from Sriharikota, India's space port on the southeastern coast.
India has launched similar class of satellites using Ariane rockets from Kourou in French Guyana.
“There is no doubt about our launch capabilities,†said M Annamalai, director of the Sriharikota space port, late on Wednesday.
“We have had 11 consecutive successful rocket launches and we are now entering a new phase of launching heavier satellites.â€
He said India aimed to get a slice of the estimated $2 billion global satellite launch market, adding launches from India would be 30 to 35 percent cheaper than other countries.
“It is going to be busy time from next year. We are planning four launches yearly,†Annamalai said.
The scientist said the 2.2 tonne satellite launch would be followed by launches of three other satellites, including an Indonesian-built mini-satellite.
The Indian Space Research Organisation is investing $543 million to upgrade infrastructure for launching heavier rockets to carry satellites weighing four tonnes.
The agency is preparing for an unmanned moon mission in 2008.
Source :- DNA
How I wish I can be there in Saharikota to view this momentous occasion