Frugal space engineering has a global market
Following its heaviest commercial launch of five British satellites last week, the Indian Space Research Organisation's Polar Satellite launch Vehicle has not only proven itself to be a reliable workhorse yet again, it has also raised expectations for India's space commerce activities. These will also have a direct impact on the Modi Government's Make in India and Digital India initiatives. In recent years, India has won much praise for its frugal but successful space programmes and it has the potential to emerge as the preferred partner of developing countries looking for low-cost options. However, this potential is far from being realised. The PSlV is a success story in its own right but it alone cannot do the job. India needs to quickly operationalise its Geosynchronous Satellite launch Vehicle system which can handle heavier satellites. Also, it needs to develop the semi-cryogenic engine technology to secure its position in the heavy satellites market.
Remember, established space players like France's Arianespace are already way ahead of India game. There is also a case to be made for setting up a better business model for commercial space activity in India. Currently, Antrix is the commercial wing of Isro and it needs to be re-fashioned to make it more profitable. If it remains under-utilised under Government control, then Antrix will not be able to leverage the $200 billion global satellite market. Outside of Antrix, India should also encourage private players to enter this field. Thanks to its frugal engineering and ability to build, launch, and operate satellites, India can become a hub for space manufacturing and services — feeding directly into the Government’s flagship Make in India scheme.
Also, if the Modi Government's Digital India initiative has to succeed, then also the country's satellite launching capabilities need to improve. Currently, 75 per cent of Indian television transponder requirements are hired from foreign satellites because of inadequate resources at home. As a recent Comptroller and Auditor-General report shows, Isro had planned 500 transponders on domestic satellites in the 11th Plan period (2007-2012) and another 300 transponders for the 12th Plan period (2012-17). However, it was only able to operationalise 187 transponders during the 11th Plan period. Additionally, during the 11th Plan period, Isro was able to launch only three satellites as against the target of nine. Poor planning and a lack of resources were some of the factors for these broken links. Hopefully, the Modi regime will look into these issues.