ISRO to use PSLV for launching Singapore's first satellite in February

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is finally expected to make the long-delayed launch of Singapore's first satellite into orbit next month, using its old workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

The satellite, called X-Sat, was originally intended for launch in 2007 and its cost has overrun several fold since then. The satellite is now estimated to cost over S$40 million against its original cot of S$10 million, The Strait Times reported today.

Experts estimated that the delay has raised the cost of the satellite four-fold to more than S$40 million from the earlier estimates of S$10 million, according to the report.

While the delay is unconnected with the failure of the Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle on 25 December, ISRO has given no explanation for the delay in the launch of X-Sat.

The X-Sat would be launched using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which ISRO had successfully used to launch 38 of its 40 satellites since 1993.

Meanwhile, ISRO has initiated the process of a review of its geosynchronous launch vehicle (GSLV) programme, ahead of any future launches.