The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has added another feather to its cap with the successful launch of the largest-ever satellite made in India. The GSLV D-6 rocket, which launched the communication satellite GSAT-6 into its pre-destined orbit, used an indigenous cryogenic engine. True, the cryogenic system was used only in the third stage when the satellite was lifted and placed in its permanent orbit. The satellite that has new features will serve as India’s eye in the outer space for as long as nine years. It is satisfying that all the systems are found to be in perfect working condition.
Soon, the satellite is expected to send pictures and data to the tracking centre at Hasan in Karnataka. So far, it has been a textbook launch. The success is yet another reminder that India has emerged as a major space power. Cryogenic technology is the key to any country’s future in space conquests and India had to struggle to master this technology. Countries like the US and Russia, pioneers in the technology, refused to share the know-how with India, forcing us to develop it indigenously.
India has a great future in space technology. It has already launched several satellites for other countries and many scientific and educational institutions. India is also able to provide these services at a fraction of the cost American and European space agencies charge. This itself shows that sky is the limit for the ISRO and its scientists. Again, it is no mean achievement that the American NASA has entered into collaboration with the ISRO for a major scientific experiment in 2020. India has enjoyed the benefit of some exceptionally brilliant scientists who headed space research programmes. However, there have been some failures. For instance, in 2010, India’s experiment with cryogenic engine technology was a disaster. However, each failure only helped the scientists learn their mistakes and rightly move ahead. That is the right attitude in any scientific endeavour, as the latest success amply shows.