Friday, February 17, 2017

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Hats off to ISRO' that was published in Newsband

Hats off to ISRO
The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully launched a record 104 satellites in one mission from Sriharikota. An earth observation Cartosat-2 series satellite and two other nano satellites were the Indian satellites launched. Thus ISRO has come close to NASA’s record by launching 20 satellites in one mission.
The launch is particularly significant as ISRO now cements its position as a key player in the lucrative commercial space launch market by providing a cheaper yet highly reliable alternative. ISRO accomplished the task in about 12 minutes.
ISRO plans to launch more Cartosat-2 series satellites and even an improved version. Besides setting the record for the most number of satellites launched in a single mission, the Indian space agency has launched two nano satellites weighing less than 10 kg.
The ISRO, a public sector space organization, has accomplished much within the period of about forty years to enable the launch of 104 satellites at one go. The staff of ISRO have put in much effort, building up indigenous technology along with imported technology, to accomplish such an objective. Hearty congratulations to them!
Launching 104 satellites in one go is not a joke. It's an achievement to be proud of. More importantly, ISRO has time and again proved that its efficiency is far better than the other space organizations of the world - example being, the launch of Mangalyan at a cost of Rs. 450 crores. That it was done in the first attempt is another feat to be happy about.
It is heartening to see how foreign countries are banking on ISRO for launching their satellites. A revolution in nano-satellites would surely help India gain a firm footing in R&D and Education sector, since it would make the country less dependent on others for pathways and requirement of data for Research and Education.

India’s ability to do satellite missioning at cheaper cost is the reason why NASA wants to have joint space ventures with India.

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