ISRO plans to undertake 58 satellite, launch vehicle missions in the 12th plan period

BANGALORE: Space agency ISRO is planning to undertake 58 satellite and launch vehicle missions in the 12th Five Year Plan Period and it also expects larger role for industries in realising these ventures.

India had done 10-13 missions in each of the 8th, 9th and 10th plan period, and completed 29 in the 11th five-year Plan period 2007-12, as informed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K Radhakrishnan.

During the plan period (2012-17), the premier agency is planning about 60 missions. ISRO proposes to undertake 33 satellites and 25 launch vehicles missions.

He also sees larger role for industries in realising the missions, particularly in the area of value addition.

“Today we have Indian industries working with us but each one looks at specific elements of it (the space programme). A couple of them started next level of integration. So, what we are working with industries now is how to enhance the role of industry in realising PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) (and also in building satellites)”, he added.