ISRO gears up to launch satellites built by private players onboard PSLV-C51

Sriharikota (AP), Dec 17(PTI) ISRO would launch an
earth observation satellite 'ANAND' that is fully built by a
start-up as part of enabling private players in space
exploration, Chairman K Sivan said on Thursday.
Lauding the Centre for launching reforms unlocking
India's potential in the space sector, Sivan said "The next
mission PSLV-C51 (polar satellite launch vehicle) is special
for us. It is special for the entire country.
     The government of India has initiated (reforms) and
within eight months, the first satellite 'ANAND' from a
start-up called Pixel India, is going to be launched," he said
addressing scientists from the Mission Control Centre after
the successful launch of communication satellite 'CMS-01'
on-board PSLV-C50 from the spaceport here.
The chairman said along with it two more satellites
'SATISH SAT', built by 'Space Kids India', and 'UNIT-SAT',
built by consortium of universities, would be sent.
     "Definitely, PSLV-C51 (mission) is going to be a
first of its kind in the country.
It is going to initiate a new era of space reforms
in India and I am sure that these private people will take
this activity further and provide services for the entire
country," he said.
The move to allow private players in space exploration
follows the Union Cabinet decision in June this year allowing
participation of the private sector in the entire range of
space activities, including planetary missions.
Sivan had then said allowing the private sector in
carrying out space activities like building of rockets,
satellites and providing launch services was a 'major reform'.
     The private sector can also be a part of the
interplanetary missions of ISRO, Sivan said.PTI VIJ BN
WELCOME
BN
WELCOME

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)