The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has invited expressions of interest from local industry for the production and supply of communications satellite platforms based on ISRO designs and drawings. ISRO sees the possibility of sourcing a total of eight to 10 satellite platforms over the next four to five years, writes Radhakrishna Rao.
State-run ISRO, which has built all Indian spacecraft to date, has made clear that it will provide “handholding” and “on the job training” to companies willing to take up the job. This will be followed by “over the shoulder supervision” of their facilities.
ISRO’s commercial arm, Bangalore-based Antrix, is to get its second order under a teaming arrangement with EADS Astrium for the joint production of 2-3t class satellites. EADS has signed a contract with the UK’s Avanti Screenmedia Group for a spacecraft to be launched in 2008 to provide high-definition television and broadband services.
The first order for the EADS/IRSO team was for the supply of Eutelsat’s W2M satellite. Under the teaming arrangement, EADS will supply the payload while Antrix will provide the satellite bus, integrate the payload and test the satellite. “We are looking for more such opportunities where we can work with ISRO to have a new generation of telecom satellites,” says EADS Astrium export director Oliver Brun.
According to ISRO sources, meanwhile, the first developmental flight of India’s heavy-lift Geostationary Launch Vehicle (GLSV) MkIII is expected to take place during 2008-9. The three-stage booster, with cryogenic upper stage, is designed to carry a 4t-class satellite into a geostationary transfer obit. The GSLV MkIII would be the launch vehicle of choice if India decides to attempt a manned space mission.
Source: Flight International