This story is from February 15, 2017

ISRO centres gear up for next launch

After the historic launch of 104 satellites at one go on Wednesday, a team of scientists of the centres of Indian Space Research Organization (Isro) here are preparing for the next.
ISRO centres gear up for next launch
Representative image
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the historic launch of 104 satellites at one go on Wednesday, a team of scientists of the centres of Indian Space Research Organization (Isro) here are preparing for the next. The launch of South Asian satellite on board GSLV-Mark II will take place in March end or April first week.
“Definitely, the record-setting launch of 104 satellites, including three Indian led by the advanced remote sensing satellite Cartosat-2 series and 101 foreign satellites holds much significance.
It is expected to drastically reduce the cost incurred for satellite launches,” said K Sivan, director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), over the phone while on his way from Sriharikota rocket launch centre. Globally, reducing the launch cost would help place a constellation of remote sensing and communication satellites, he added.
South Asian satellite (previously known as SAARC satellite for geo-spatial, communication and telemedicine applications) was proposed by the Prime Minister in November 2014, as a gift to the neighbouring countries. Last year, Pakistan opted out of the project. The satellite will benefit Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.
Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) director S Somnath said,“The first stage of solid boosters for GSLV-Mark II has been completed at Sriharikota High Altitude Range (SHAR). The second stage of four liquid strap-on boosters, which is prepared by LPSC with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, will be ready soon. Further, for the third stage of indigenous cryogenic upper stage (CUS) engine, work is on at LPSC Mahendragiri,” he said. Simultaneously, preparations were on to develop the advanced indigenous cryogenic engine C25 with 25 ton propellants for GSLV Mark III, he said.
Earlier, the space organization has launched 20 satellites at one go, on board PSLV-C34.
While admitting that commercial launches fetch big money for the government, the officials at the Isro centres indicate that the launch costs are at least three to four times higher in other countries compared to India. Launch of PSLV –C37 roughly costs about Rs 100 crore, while launching the foreign satellites will help recover at least half the cost incurred, the officials said.
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