Communication Satellites

ISRO planning privately built PSLV launch in 5 years

New Delhi: Moving forward on its plans to rope in the industry in its activities, ISRO is looking towards the launch of the first privately built rocket in the next five years. The Indian Space Research Organisation has embarked on hiving off production of communication satellites and polar satellite launch vehicles (PSLVs) to the industry.

"We are now setting up a national committee to work out the modalities on how to go about it," ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan told reporters when asked about the agency's plans to rope in the industry for producing PSLVs and communication satellites.

He said the space agency had told the industry representatives at a meeting in Ahmedabad in January that it was looking at PSLVs and communication satellites produced by them. "My target is five years from now on. Five years from now the first PSLV will roll out from that entity," Radhakrishnan said.

He said the proposed national committee would look at various steps in this regard including the revenue model, technology transfer and related matters. The space agency is keen to focus on unique science projects, develop remote sensing satellites and do more research and development instead of engaging in the repititive exercise of building communication satellites and launch vehicles....more    

China successfully launches telecommunication satellite

Beijing: China has successfully launched telecommunication satellite "ChinaSat 2A" to boost broadcasting and multimedia transmission. A Long March-3B carrier rocket sent the satellite into the orbit from the southwestern Xichang Satellite Launch Centre yesterday. The satellite, developed by China Academy of Space Technology, will be used to meet the demands for China's radio and TV broadcasting and broadband multimedia transmissions, China Satellite Communications Co Ltd said. The launch marked the...  

Pakistani satellite begins beaming

Islamabad: Pakistan's communication satellite, which was launched by China, is functioning fine, said Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who described the project as an example of Islamabad-Beijing strategic ties. Gilani on Saturday said that the PAKSAT-1R satellite project is yet another manifestation of the long-standing strategic relationship between Pakistan and China, taking the time-tested friendship to new heights. At the inauguration of Satellite Ground Control Station and commencement of the...