Not after records: Isro chief

Hyderabad: Even as the entire world hails Isro’s capability, the organisation’s head A.S. Kiran Kumar remains modest. He is careful about the numbers the space body wants to achieve.

Mr Kiran Kumar on Wednesday said his teams were not after any record and their primary objective was to improve existing capability and maximise returns by utilising space available in their rockets. More space will mean a larger payload — accommodating a higher number of foreign satellites.

The Isro chief addressed the press  shortly after the successful launch of the PSLV-C37/Cartosat 2 series satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota on Wednesday.

Answering a question about American firms producing nano-satellites and then knocking on Isro’s doors despite having their own space programme, Nasa, Mr Kiran Kumar said that was because of  the PSLV capability and reputation in the global small-satellite market.

He added that the PSLV’s frequent launches was also a factor because of the limited number of launches by other space agencies around the world.
Isro officials also revealed what’s in store for the months ahead. 

The organisation’s commercial arm, Antrix Corporation, said it had Rs 400cr worth of launch orders ready  in hand and was expecting more orders to the extent of Rs 500 cr from international customers within the next few months.

Mr Kiran Kumar also said the Indian Space Research Organisation was looking at other means of reducing cost of access to space. “With each successful launch our responsibility grows and we give emphasis to zero defect delivery,” he said.

In the CARTOSAT series of earth observation satellites, there is also a proposal to launch the CARTOSAT-2E in April, top Isro officials told the press here on Wednesday.

Students celebrate Isro achievement
celebrated by all
Isro success

Students in Warangal celebrate Isro achievement
Students of AVV Junior College, on Wednesday, celebrated Isro’s successful launch of PSLV-C37 Rocket with 104 satellites on board. AVV NSS programme officer Kodimala Srinivasa Rao organised the programme at the college campus with students.

After the successful launch of 104 satellites into orbit, the students waved the national flag in front of the photo of the rocket and celebrated the achievement. Principal of the college D. Raghupathi said the students need to be inspired from the achievements.

“The scientists of Isro have achieved a landmark by successfully launching the PSLV-C37 rocket. They deserve all appreciation for this historic feat. We congratulate them on this occasion and wish them all success in their future endeavours. As a citizen of this great country we must all feel proud of them,” he said.

Degree college principal Mineshwar, Dr Bujender Reddy, Srinivas, Ramana, Triveni, and senior NSS volunteers Yasarapu Jagadeesh, Dattathraya, and other students were present.