NEW DELHI: In order to step up the space launch capacity within the country, ISRO is in the process of exploring the possibility of involving Indian industry in a greater role towards the production of integrated systems including assembly and testing by a vendor as per space agency’s design, the government said Thursday.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Atomic Energy and Space Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha said that considering the enhanced national requirements for launching satellites for earth observation, communication and navigation, the present capacity of launches is a constraint.
“ISRO has been pursuing a conscious approach of building up and nurturing the industrial capabilities in the country to maximally support the Indian Space Programme. Through the appropriate transfer of technology and hand-holding, ISRO is making focused efforts to enhance participation of Indian industries,” said Singh.
The areas include manufacturing of space related hardware, such as rocket engine and stages, propellant tanks, spacecraft structures, solar panels, thermal control systems and electronic packages required for satellites and launch vehicles.
India presently has 39 operational satellites in orbit comprising of 17 Earth observation (including meteorological), 13 communication, 7 navigational and 2 Space Science satellites.
These satellites are being utilised to meet the demands of Central and State Governments and private entities in the area of natural resources management, infrastructure planning, and disaster management support, enabling weather forecasting, satellite communication and navigation.
“Significant increase in the capacity is needed to ensure continuity of services and to meet various emerging demands in these areas,” the minister added.