Of four previous PSLV flights between 1993-1997, one ended in failure. Several more trouble-free missions may be needed for credibility, says Marco Caceres, Teal Group senior space analyst. What's more, India has yet to handle a major commercial payload. The paying customers essentially hitched a ride on the rocket's spare capacity, says Bruce Middleton, principal of Canberra, Australia-based Asia Pacific Aerospace Consultants. Hindered somewhat by U.S. technology-transfer restrictions in the wake India's nuclear tests, ISRO isn't asking for the moon.
Officials say they plan as few as one PSLV launch a year.
Moreover, India plans to test a bigger rocket capable of heaving television broadcasting satellites to higher geostationary orbits 36,000 kilometers above the Earth. For such launches, India's Sriharikota island facility is ideal - its proximity to the equator reduces fuel costs when satellites must be parked high in the sky. With commercial missions accounting for nearly half of all space launches, India seems assured of customers, if not profits. Welcome to the club. All Rights Reserved.