(a) whether the country has achieved expertise in launching satellite into space;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the percentage of success in this regard;
(c) whether the share of the country in global satellite market is very less despite such expertise and if so, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the measures taken by the Government to increase the share of the country in commercial prospects in this sector?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH):
(a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
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STATEMENT LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN REPLY TO STARRED QUESTION NO.116 REGARDING “LAUNCH OF SATELLITE” ASKED BY SHRI RAKESH SINGH FOR ANSWER ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2016.
(a) Yes Madam.
(b) Presently, ISRO has one operational launch vehicle, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV MkII) with indigenous cryogenic stage had three consecutive successful flights and efforts are underway to operationalise it.
The PSLV has the capability to carry 1750 kg to 600 km Sun Synchronous Polar orbit. Till date, thirty-seven launches of PSLV have taken place and the last thirty six missions have been successful. Thus, PSLV has witnessed a success rate of 97.3%. The GSLV MkII has the capability to launch 2 tonne class of satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Till date, ten launches of GSLV MkII have taken place, out of which seven were successful. GSLV MkII has a success rate of 70%. The last three missions with indigenous cryogenic stage were successful. Since 2011, PSLV and GSLV MkII have a 100% success rate.
The next generation launch vehicle, GSLV MkIII, capable of launching 3.5 to 4 tonne class of satellite is in an advanced stage of development. The first developmental flight of GSLV Mk-III is targeted during first quarter of 2017.
(c) As of now, the spare capacity available onboard PSLV, after meeting the national requirements, is provided for commercial launch services. Till date, besides 42 Indian Satellites (34 National satellites with a total mass of ~ 34,400 kg and 8 student satellites with a total mass of 75 kg), PSLV has successfully launched 79 foreign satellites (with a total mass of ~ 6100 kg) from 21 countries on commercial basis. Since the priority for PSLV is to meet the national requirement and only spare capacity is made available for commercial launch services, the share of the country in global satellite market is very less.
(d) In order to meet the enhanced national requirements for launching satellites for earth observation, communication &navigation, ISRO is taking steps to increase the launch capacity. ISRO will continue to provide the launch capacity, when available, for commercial launch services. Towards stepping up the launch capacity, ISRO is in the process of exploring the possibility of enhanced involvement of Indian industry. Besides meeting the national demand, the industry can explore the opportunities for commercial launch services.
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