The Indian Space Research Organistaion (Isro) is looking at 25 per cent growth in revenues this fiscal over Rs 1,000 crore attained last year, betting big on satellite launches and carrying space crafts of other countries.
Speaking on the sidelines of MP Birla Award 2009, G Madhavan Nair, chairman of Isro said, “Last year we achieved a total revenue of Rs 1,000 crore, this year. We expect a 25 per cent increase in revenues this fiscal.”
Isro is also in dialogues with the US government for launching their satellites and is betting big on spacecrafts launches from other countries after the successful launch of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
“We are already in talks with the US for launching their satellites. Hope it will materialise soon,” he said.
Isro earned Rs 1,000 crore in 2008-09, almost 15-20 per cent came from carrying spacecrafts from other countries and satellite launched on behalf of other countries.
“Our revenue would go up by 10 per cent if there is a new launch. We have not only matured in the technology of building satellites but have also established ourselves as a good service provider for other countries for building satellites and launching them,” he added.
The reported delay in launch of an European Space launcher would help ISRO getting more customers from Europe.
“An European launcher has been delayed. This is one of the reason why people are looking at PSLV now” Nair said.
On Chandrayan II, the second moon mission by India slated in 2013, Mr Nair said there were concerns related to landing of the rover and subsequent impact management.
“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, currently.We are exploring other alternatives,” he said.
There were also plans of launching a geo-stationary satellite within two to three years to cater to the Indian Meteorological Department’s weather-change monitoring system, he pointed out.
Nair did not give any timeframe for the launch of India’s first man mission to moon.
The first Mars mission by India was likely to be finalized in a year, but the project could suffer a setback because of the paucity of qualified manpower, he pointed out.
“The Mars mission could be delayed as there aren’t enough scientific ideas coming through”Nair said.
Nair was presented the M P Birla Award 2009 for achievements in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics, space science and allied disciplines.
