Union Cabinet clears Rs 3,090-cr continuation programme of launching 15 operational PSLV flights

NEW DELHI: Seeking to clinch possible international contracts for launch of satellites, an approval was granted by the government today for continuation of the workhorse Polar Satellite Vehicle programme for another 15 flights in a four-year period.

The PSLV continuation programme will enable the launch of satellites required for earth observation, navigation and space sciences along with the possibility of clinching commercial launch service contracts, an official statement said after a meeting of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The total fund requirement has been pegged at Rs 3,090 crore and includes the cost of 15 PSLVs, programme elements, programme management and 'launch campaign'.

The PSLV continuation programme will meet the demand for the launch of satellites at a frequency of four to five launches per year, with a greater focus on enhancing the level of participation by the Indian industry.

"All the 15 operational flights would be completed during the period 2017-2020," the statement said.

At present, PSLV operational flights, which were sanctioned in 2008, are being utilised to meet the satellite launch requirements.

The operationalisation of PSLV has made the country self- reliant in the launching capability of satellites for earth observation, disaster management, navigation and space sciences. The PSLV continuation programme will sustain this capability and self-reliance in the launching of similar satellites for national requirements.

PSLV has emerged as a versatile launch vehicle to carry out Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit, Geo-synchronous Transfer Orbit and low inclination Low Earth Orbit missions. With the recent successful launch of PSLV-C26 on October 16, 2014, PSLV has completed three developmental and 25 operational flights and the last 27 flights have been successful.

PSLV has established itself as a workhorse vehicle for national satellites with a production capacity that would enable responding fast to commercial launch opportunities also.