Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Kudos to ISRO once again!' that was published in Newsband

Kudos to ISRO once again!

India recently launched the communication satellite GSAT-16 aboard Europe’s Ariane 5 rocket. It will thus join a constellation of 10 satellites that form the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system. This satellite will enhance still further the broadcasting of television programmes, providing of educational and tele-medicine services, carrying of telephone conversations, and relaying of data.

Indian Space Research Organisation has already launched considerably heavier communication satellites on the Ariane 5, including the GSAT-16. Launching these satellites abroad is expensive. Hence we should develop the launching capability of our own.

India is in the process of building its own launching capability in the form of GSLV Mark III. ISRO expects to have the Mark III ready in a few years time. While Indians feel proud of the successful launch of the indigenously-built communication satellite G-SAT 16 and other successes of the ISRO, they also feel sad about the fact that ISRO still has to depend on other counties for the launch of its heavier satellites because it lacks more powerful, cost-reducing, cryogenic engines. However, we have immense faith and trust in ISRO's capabilities and expect it to accomplish the task before the two year deadline set by itself.

Launching of GSAT-16 is indeed one more feather in the cap of ISRO. Also, this is one more nail in the coffin of the conservatives who scoffed at the Space projects, development of Computers, introduction of colour TV, etc. Our Nation would have progressed much faster and farther, had these sceptics not come in the way.

We have the technocrats today who could very well learn from super powers. In spite of the various constraints and other hitches and glitches, we must say, "Kudos to ISRO, and the great efforts of the Scientist Teams" India is now definitely on the front level, though much more are to be done and achieved. ISRO will do well with GSLV. ISRO is undoubtedly the only Indian Governmental organisation which is equal or better than Western scientific organisations.

Hope India manages to improve its space capabilities. Space technology is closely guarded by Russia and US. Our scientists in ISRO are making the impossible, possible by their devotion. India has to spend a lot more on space as each and every rupee would yield hundreds. The day is not far when the world would be looking to us for help and guidance.