Lok Sabha Question No. 116 (STARRED), answered on 2016-11-23
Subject: Launch of Satellite
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: RAKESH SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO.116

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2016

## LAUNCH OF SATELLITE

- *116. SHRI RAKESH SINGH:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (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?

## ANSWER

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.

*****

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. *****