ISRO has successfully launched EOS-05, India's first geo-imaging satellite, into a precise sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit using a GSLV rocket. This 2,367 kg satellite, the heaviest ever carried by a GSLV, will provide real-time imagery for applications in agriculture and disaster management from an altitude of 36,000 km.
It is about proving that the agency can still deliver when the stakes are high.
'It is not economical to operate GSLV-Mk II due to its cost and complexity. Future launches to be managed with LVM3.'
'An instruction came from somebody in Delhi saying, "don't go with the launch".'
'He didn't touch upon the core questions raised by the nine employee associations.'
Nine employee associations at ISRO have written to Chairperson V Narayanan, seeking official clarification on the proposed transfer of manufacturing and operational functions to private entities. They raised concerns about ISRO's future role, employee consequences, and recruitment, following comments by IN-SPACe chairperson Pawan Goenka regarding ISRO's eventual exit from launch vehicle manufacturing.
'I don't think the government will sacrifice such a fine institution for monetary gains.'
Group Captain Angad Pratap, one of the astronauts for India's Gaganyaan mission, addressed the programme's delays, stating they are inherent in developing human spaceflight. He emphasised the need for patience to ensure the mission's eventual success and detailed his involvement in designing the human-machine interface. ISRO plans uncrewed missions before the crewed launch, now targeted for 2027.
Their message is blunt: Public scientific wealth should not be transferred at what they describe as 'throwaway prices'.capability, recruitment, promotional avenues and the voice of its employees.
There is no answer to the question of how IN-SPACe invited EOIs for ISRO's mature rockets and whether it was based on any government policy decision.
These upcoming launches carry added significance in light of setbacks suffered in recent years.
