Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'India today among the most elite group of Space power' that was published in Newsband

India today among the most elite group of Space power

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched weather satellite INSAT-3DR using a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle equipped with the indigenous cryogenic upper stage after long history of failures with the GSLV. India now belongs to the elite club of countries that have mastered the cryogenic technology.

ISRO is a research and development organisation and not a production organisation, but the lack of greater industry participation has resulted in it being unable to launch more satellites in a year using the GSLV. Now ISRO has set a target of two GSLV launches in a year by 2018-2019. The GSLV-Mk III which is scheduled to take place has an ability to provide double the thrust compared with the current cryogenic technology, after which the vehicle would be able to carry payloads up to four tonnes. This will make ISRO truly independent by not having to rely on facilities abroad for launching heavier payloads.

Our ISRO scientists have made us proud by their hard work, dedication, and strong will power. They managed to develop difficult indigenous cryogenic engine technology after Russia backed out from passing the know how under the US pressure. Our scientist's one after another achievements have not only made us proud, but also put India among the most elite group of Space power.

The space technology advancement by ISRO and we are now on par with the most developed countries.

Indian scientists have reached a platform where nothing is impossible. Give our scientists the projects and budget and they will deliver the best technology products. No doubt, ISRO is advancing in leaps and bounds in space technology. The tempo must be kept up in the field of astronomy too.