ISRO expects 25% revenue growth

KOLKATA: The economy may be witnessing a downturn, but the Indian Space Research Organistaion (ISRO) is hopeful of registering a 25% topline during 2009-10. During 2008-09 it achieved revenues of Rs 1,000 crore.

Talking to reporters in Kolkata on Saturday on the sidelines of the presentation of the MP Birla Award 2009 for achievements in the fields of Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Science and allied disciplines, Mr G Madhavan Nair, chairman of Isro, chairman, Space Commission and secretary, department of space said: "Nearly 15-20% of the revenue is expected from launching satellites on behalf of other countries."

"We are also enhancing our satellite launch capability with higher payloads at a steady pace. This is expected to attract clients, from other countries and commercial organisations, who are keen to place satellites and equipment in space," he said.

When asked if the reported delay in launching satellites by the European Space Agency would lead to some orders coming India's way, Mr Madhavan Nair said: "It may lead to more countries using Indian Polar Satellite Landing Vehicles. Revenues might also increase on account of increased use of satellite services by DTH and telecom providers."
In last year���s budget, the Centre had earmarked a fund of Rs 4,000 crore for space research, Mr Nair said, adding that Isro was awaiting the fund allocations this year in the forthcoming budget.

Moving to Chandrayan II, the second moon mission by India slated in 2013, Mr Nair said: "We now know how to send satellites and vehicles to orbit round the moon, but the technology for landing on the surface needs to be indigenously perfected by Indian scientists."

"Our first lunar mission has given us an substantial understanding about entering the moon���s orbit. But ensuring the safe landing of the rover on the surface of the moon is an obstacle at the moment. Since the moon doesn���t have an atmosphere, utilising parachutes will not be possible. So, we are exploring other alternatives," he said.
Isro is also planning to launch a geo-stationary satellite within two to three years to help the Indian meteorological department���s weather-change monitoring system.

Adding, he said: "The first Mars mission by India is likely to be finalized in a year. This project, however, may face a setback because of paucity of qualified manpower."