Isro planning to launch 8 micro satellites on PSLV, says its director

Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is planning to launch eight micro satellites on a single PSLV in future, M Annadurai, director of Isro, said while addressing a session on the plenary of the 103rd Indian Science Congress at the University of Mysore, today.

Speaking on `Future Satellite Programme', he said, ''In this new global era where everything is becoming smaller in size and smarter in application we are also trying to reduce the size of satellites to the extent possible.''

The vehicle configuration for PSLV of 400km Space Shuttle Orbiter (SSO) is 1200kg. The number of micro satellites that can be carried in single mission is eight, each weighing about 120kg with total payload capacity 960kg, he said.

He pointed to the fact that present domestic satellite communication is dominated by fixed satellite services and direct to home services and the future service growth areas will be communication satellites for internet, multi-media and personal communication services, direct to home high definition TV services. Apart from that, thematic missions such as tele-medicine and tele-education, bandwidth on demand services, e-governance, secured communications and satellite aided navigation are expected to grow, he added.

He stressed the need for production of space systems to meet the huge demand for satellites and also to strengthen basic research and development. This will boost the increased participation of Indian industries in space programme in the areas of electronic systems, mechanical systems, assembly, integration and testing of satellites.

Focusing on ''Make in India'' concept for end-to-end production of satellite from industries within the country would help us to achieve further self reliance.

Vinay K Dadhwal briefed the gathering on the dimensions of Indian space programme and outlined the Earth Observatory while S K Shivakumar spoke on the topic `Mars Orbiter Mission- overview', V Koteswara Rao on the topic `Astrosat - a multi wavelength space observatory and S Somanath on the topic `Isro's Launch Vehicles- Growth of Capability'.

Prof D N Rao, Chennai, chaired the programme. Delegates, students and participants from various states and countries participated in the session.