(a) whether India has recently successfully launched five foreign satellites by PSLV-C 23;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the total number of foreign satellites launched by India so far and the amount generated thereon;
(d) the details of the future projects to be launched by Indian Space Authority; and
(e) whether the Government has suggested the ISRO to develop a SAARC satellite for the benefit of all SAARC nations and if so, the details thereof and the response of ISRO thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):
(a) Yes Madam.
(b) India has successfully launched five foreign satellites onboard PSLV-C23 on June 30th, 2014 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. These foreign satellites are – (i) SPOT-7 (France), (ii) AISAT (Germany), (iii) NLS 7.1/CAN-X4 (Canada), (iv) NLS 7.2/CAN-X5 (Canada) and (v) VELOX-1 (Singapore).
(c) As on date, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched 40 satellites from 19 foreign countries, on commercial basis, under contract between respective foreign customer and Antrix Corporation Limited, the commercial arm of ISRO. The amount generated through the launch of these satellites is € 50.47 million and US $ 17.17 million.
(d) The future projects envisages development of advanced launch vehicle systems, thematic earth observational satellites with improved resolution, high-power, high-throughput communication satellite, microwave multi-spectral remote sensing satellites, weather and climate studies, constellation of satellites for regional navigation, development of critical technologies for human spaceflight and satellites for space science and planetary exploration purposes.
(e) The Honourable Prime Minister of India in his address at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota on 30th June 2014 has asked the Indian Space community to develop a SAARC satellite that provides a full range of applications and services to all our neighbours. ISRO, through the Government of India, in consultation with the SAARC countries, needs to formulate a proposal for SAARC Satellite development programme to address the space applications and services needs of the SAARC countries.