ISRO readying for low cost satellite launch

Thiruvananthapuram : The Indian Space Research Organisation is readying low-cost satellite launch vehicles costing about Rs 30-35 crore each, which can put into orbit satellites weighing 500 kg.

The first such launch from the country is expected to take place in the next four months.

This capability will give ISRO a big commercial boost as it will be able to cater to micro, mini and medium segments of the market, Haridas T V, Deputy Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre said, taking part in the panel discussions at 'EDGE 2020, The Space Conclave', here on Friday.

"The biggest advantage is that ISRO now can manufacture these vehicles in a turnaround time of just three weeks," he said.

ISRO has earmarked 1,600 million for launch vehicles, of which 870 million will be for PSLV and the remaining for Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, he revealed.

ISRO has planned some 50 RPT 50 Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle launches in the next five years, a press release quoting Haridas said.