ISRO worried as missions proceed at snail’s pace
Satellite series, that are being launched now, had been approved almost five years ago
By : pathri rajasekhar
Update: 2014-11-26 02:29 GMT
Nellore: Notwithstanding the worldwide appreciation for the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Mars Orbit Mission and the success of recent space missions, Isro scientists are concerned about the snail’s pace of progress in space programmes in the last five years.
Satellites such as the the Indian Regional Navigation System Satellite series, that are being launched now, had been approved almost five years ago.
They were approved with barely any long- term planning in key areas like communication, remote sensing and new technology satellites. What worries Isro’s scientist fraternity is the absence of any move to develop new technologies.
According to sources, Isro had 300 transponders seven years ago. The number has dropped to 200 now. Television transmission, DTH and other networks are dependent on the transponders.
The existing transponders address only 30 per cent of the national demand and there has been no move to increase their numbers despite the demand and scope for generating sizable revenue.
Also, revenues from sale of remote sensing imageries from the National Remote Sensing Centre in Hyderabad are understood to have been dipped from Rs 90 crore in 2008 to Rs 20 crore during 2013-14.
According to sources in Isro, there is no proper study on the use of space products and services by government departments and industry to design future space programmes. They alleged that the growth of the industry depending on space programmes was hit very badly because of lack of new programmes.