Indian rockets as reliable as any other in the world

Sep 03: Amid the hopes for future and fears of the past the successful launch of the largest domestic communication satellite system of Asia, INSAT-4CR (INSAT series) by the GSLV FO4 on Sunday laid down the path for India to enter the arena of 2.5 billion dollar satellite launch business.

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The 49 metre long rocket carrying 2,130 heavy satellite blasted off from Sriharikota island at 6:20 two hours late of the scheduled time due to the signal problem at the third cryogenic stage. As the rocket was just about to lift off the signal from the ground system failed to come some seconds ago.

INSAT-4CR replaced INSAT-4C which was destroyed last year in July after some technical failure. The satellite has 12 wideband channels or transponders significant in providing services in telecommunications, television broadcasting and meteorology. This is to be known that internet congestion has become common phenomenon due to increased traffic.

This was the fifth launch of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle series rocket. In April ISRO also launched an Italian satellite for the first time charging fees for it stepping in commercial launch market. Till yet space technology has not been used commercially at extensive level barring few cases.

This successful launch not only opened the door of global satellite launch business but will also cater to the upward-moving domestic telecommunications demand. ISRO Chairman told that they are receiving enquiries from foreign customers.

ISRO chairman, G Madhavan Nair expressed a sigh of relief over Sunday’s successful launch and said that Indian rockets are as reliable as any other launch vehicle in the world.

He termed the whole phenomenon as high drama. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh congratulated ISRO Chairman.