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A US court has asked <keyword id="285457" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Antrix">Antrix</keyword> Corporation, the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation, to pay compensation of USD 1.2 billion to a Bengaluru-based startup, <keyword id="406024" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Devas-Multimedia">Devas Multimedia</keyword>, for cancelling a satellite deal in 2005. As per the agreement in January 2005, Antrix agreed to build, launch and operate two satellites and to make available 70 MHz of S-band spectrum to Devas, which the latter planned to use to offer hybrid satellite and terrestrial communication services throughout India. The agreement was terminated by Antrix in February 2011. Over the next several years, Devas approached various legal avenues in India. This included the Supreme Court, which directed for a tribunal. In his order dated October 27, Judge Thomas S Zilly, US District Judge, Western District of Washington, Seattle, ruled that Antrix Corporation pay a compensation of USD 562.5 million to Devas Multimedia Corporation and the related interest rate amounting to a total of USD 1.2 billion. In its lawsuit filed in the US District Court, Western District of Washington in September 2018, Devas Multimedia said three separate international tribunals and nine different arbitrators have found the termination of the Devas-Antrix agreement to have been wrongful, with one of the tribunals describing it as "conduct 'which shocks, or at least surprises, a sense of juridical propriety,'" and another finding it to be "a clear breach of simple good faith" by India. Antrix, in November 2018, had sought the dismissal of the lawsuit citing jurisdictional issues. The court, however, asserted that it had jurisdiction over the issue, but stayed the matter for one year and asked the two to file a joint status report by April 15, 2020. On July 16, 2020, both Devas and Antrix filed the instant motion, a Joint Status Report in which they disputed whether the court should lift or extend the stay, and, if the latter, whether Antrix be required to post security. Devas, according to submissions, has argued that the US court has jurisdiction over these cases, as Antrix engages in business in this district and across the United States. Antrix and Spaceflight Industries, which is headquartered in Seattle have an agreement to provide satellite launch services using India's PSLV rocket. Antrix and RBC Signals LLC, which is headquartered in Redmond, Washington have a worldwide agreement to provide space communications services to satellite operators. Antrix in 2018 launched a satellite for Redmond, a Washington-based Planetary Resources. Antrix agreed in 2015 to launch two satellites for Colorado-based PlanetiQ. Antrix is contracted with DigitalGlobe, which has headquarters in Colorado and other locations in Florida, Virginia and Washington to procure certain satellite data, which is then distributed by the Indian Space Research Organisation's National Remote Sensing Centre. Devas said that after the initial signing of the agreement, the two companies performed in good faith for five years. Among other things, in May 2009, Dr Appanna Bhaskarnaryana, the Director of the Satellite Communications Programme Office of <keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>, spent four to five weeks in the US with Devas personnel meeting with Hughes Networks, Sirius XM SkyTerra, Qualcomm and ICO North America to understand the technologies used by, and operation of, hybrid satellite-terrestrial operators providing telecommunications services. Devas subsequently conducted experimental trials in India (attended by Antrix officials, including the company's then chairman), Chengdu and Beijing in China, and Stuttgart in Germany, which successfully demonstrated the hybrid satellite-terrestrial systems and end-user terminals that Devas had developed in conjunction with a global network of leading technology players such as Alcatel Lucent, it said. On February 25, 2011, Antrix issued a termination notice to Devas, which among other things stated that the policy decision was of the central government, acting in its sovereign capacity is the event of force majeure, which was an occurrence on February 23, 2011. "The scope and duration of the said decision cannot be anticipated. It is likely to be indefinite. It is not possible for Antrix to take any effective step to resume the obligations under the agreement," Antrix said. Devas disputed Antrix's repudiation of the agreement and sought to conduct discussions among senior management as contemplated by that agreement. In June 2011, Devas commenced arbitration proceedings under the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. Antrix initially refused to participate in the arbitration and obtained an injunction from the Indian Supreme Court enjoining the arbitration. After one year, the Supreme Court lifted the injunction, allowing the arbitration to proceed. Thereafter, Antrix participated fully in the arbitration. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/kepler-estimates-there-are-at-least-300-million-potentially-habitable-planets-within-the-milky-way-galaxy/articleshow/78946863.cms">Kepler estimates there are at least 300 million potentially habitable planets within the Milky Way galaxy</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/mit-has-a-new-ai-model-that-can-detect-asymptomatic-covid-19-patients-just-by-the-using-the-sound-of-their-coughs-recorded-over-phone-calls/articleshow/78927475.cms">MIT has a new AI model that can detect asymptomatic COVID-19 patients just by the using the sound of their coughs recorded over phone calls</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/tata-communications-executive-explains-how-iot-is-expanding-beyond-manufacturing-and-which-sectors-are-showing-the-fastest-growth/articleshow/78924587.cms">EXCLUSIVE: Tata Communications’ IoT head explains how COVID is driving the next wave of Internet of Things</a>

US court asks ISRO's commercial arm to $1.2 billion compensation to Bengaluru start-up for cancelling a satellite deal

After security alarm was raised surrounding the news that the website of <keyword id="6358064" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="ISRO">ISRO</keyword>'s commercial arm <keyword id="553564" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Antrix-Corporation-Limited">Antrix Corporation Limited</keyword> was hacked, ISRO officials said the problem occurred due to a purposeful attempt by someone to link the home page to another page. 

	"It appears that the Antrix website has not been hacked, but might have been a purposeful attempt by someone who linked the home page to another page," the ISRO official told PTI.

	The website of Antrix was reportedly hacked yesterday and thereafter the work to fix the problem was taken up by Antrix officials and it was blocked immediately. 
 

	"The problem is there but there should not be any cause of worry because the website does not contain sensitive data which could be detrimental for India's security," he said. 
 

	Asked if it was an internal or international attempt to cause damage, he said, "We still cannot say who that someone is. Investigations are on." 
 

	The official added that the attempt to link the homepage to other page could be to gain popularity. The probe is on, or could be for some other reason. 
 Damage to Antrix website comes two days after ISRO successfully launched five British commercial satellites on board <keyword id="2933085" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="PSLV-C28">PSLV-C28</keyword> from Sriharikota in its heaviest commercial mission. 
	 
	(Image credits: Indiatimes)

Antrix website not hacked, damage done purposefully

SRIHARIKOTA: The success of GSLV-D5 signals is the beginning of a new era of commercial viability for Indian space missions. 
 Though India had in the last two decades claimed its rightful place in the global space sector with 25 consecutive successes of its Polar <keyword id="6358065" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Satellite">Satellite</keyword> Launch Vehicles (PSLVs), there remained a <keyword id="138322" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="GSLV">GSLV</keyword>-shaped hole. While PSLV can carry satellites up to 2 tonnes to a lowearth orbit, GSLV was needed for the launch of heavier satellites, especially of the telecommunication variety that need to be put in a 36,000km geosynchronous orbit. Sunday’s launch using an <keyword id="6500558" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="40" keywordseo="Indigenous">indigenous</keyword> cryogenic engine bridges this gap. 
 <keyword id="153327" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Antrix-Corporation">Antrix Corporation</keyword>, the commercial arm of <keyword id="6358064" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="ISRO">Isro</keyword>, which has been putting its workhorse PSLV to good use to launch satellites for other countries which find the Indian launchpad reliable and affordable, will now get a boost. Antrix chairman and managing director V S Hegde said the corporation is expecting a 15% growth in turnover as more countries were approaching Isro for commercial launches. Antrix has registered a revenue of `1,300 crore in the current fiscal. 
 Isro chairman K <keyword id="62601" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="radhakrishnan">Radhakrishnan</keyword> confirmed that <keyword id="87" type="COUNTRY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Germany">Germany</keyword> has approached India for the launch of an 800-kg satellite, and the UK for three satellites weighing 300kg each. “There will be at least two dedicated commercial launches this year using PSLV,” said Radhakrishnan. Isro scientists said earnings from such launches could more than double once GSLV is accepted globally as a reliable launch vehicle. 
 At the level of technology demonstration and outer space exploration, GSLV has come a shot in the arm for Isro. “Though we have spelled out our plans for a manned mission, we couldn’t arrive at a tentative date because of the unreliability of GSLV. This success will speed up such projects,” said a <keyword id="9662" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Scientist">scientist</keyword>. 
 
Radhakrishnan said Isro was ready for a series of GSLV launches, including those for GSAT-6, GSAT-7A, GSAT-9 and Chandrayaan-2. The second moon mission will use a GSLV, after a second success of the cryogenic engine.

Success Of GSLV Cryogenic Engine Means Good Money Too

Having lost a huge case in international arbitration, India might have to pay up to a billion dollars in damages. The case involved cancelling a contract that involved leasing two satellites and their spectra. 
 

	Other than the heavy penalty, the decision will also malign the country’s reputation with its international investors.
 The <keyword id="170355" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="International-Criminal-Court">International Criminal Court</keyword>, sitting in The Hague (Netherlands) has ruled against the Indian government in a case that was filed by Devas Multimedia. As per reports, the contract was cancelled in 2005 by <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Antrix-website-not-hacked-damage-done-purposefully/articleshow/48057241.cms">Antrix</a>, the commercial arm of the state-run <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/ISRO-to-launch-12-18-satellites-per-year/articleshow/52867943.cms">ISRO</a>. 
	 
	Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Indias-Space-Industry-SleepingWarhorse-Must-Wake-Up-Run/articleshow/28382468.cms">India’s Space Industry – Sleeping Warhorse Must Wake Up &amp; Run</a>
 

	It was in 2015 that Devas had filed its case at the international court of arbitration against Antrix, citing that it had agreed to lease two long-term satellites operating in the S-band spectrum, but cancelled the contract.
 

	The tribunal said in its judgement that the Indian government was unfair in cancelling the contract, as this caused undue losses to several companies that had put huge amounts of money in Devas Multimedia. 
	 
	Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/ISRO-successfully-tests-made-in-India-mini-space-shuttle/articleshow/52396158.cms">ISRO successfully tests ‘made in India’ mini space shuttle</a> 
	 
	<a href="http://voxukraine.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/The-International-_2166929b-1.jpg">Image source</a>

India could pay up to $1bn in damages as it loses a huge arbitration internationally

<ul><li><keyword id="153327" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Antrix-Corporation">Antrix Corporation</keyword>, the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has brought in a total of ₹62.98 billion in revenue. </li><li>The government plans to expand to commercial viability of its Departments of Space (DoS) by forming the <keyword id="7832818" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-space-india-limited">New Space India Limited</keyword> (NSIL).</li><li>Private players are still left out of the loop until the ‘<keyword id="7803428" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Space-Activities-Bill">Space Activities Bill</keyword>’ is tabled in Parliament and passed by its members.</li></ul>The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) arm of commercial operations, the Antrix Corporation, clocked in ₹62.98 billion (₹6,289 crore) in revenue from launching 239 satellites over the last three years. And, this might only increase in the future. The government already announced that they plan on increasing the commercial viability of the Department of Space (DoS) by replacing Antrix with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/union-budget-2019-isros-new-commerical-arm-is-new-space-india-limited/articleshow/70086097.cms">New Space India Limited (NSIL)</a>. NSIL will be set up to meet the ever increasing demands of the Indian space programme. It will also help commercially exploit the global space market, according to Jitendra Singh from the Prime Minister’s Office. Keeping costs low ISRO has an edge over its competition as it keeps its launch costs as low as possible — something that Elon Musk’s SpaceX is also trying to accomplish by employing reusable rockets. ISRO charges approximately $3 million per satellite launch where as SpaceX’s cost are still at around $60 million. In comparison, United Launch Alliance — which mostly launches satellites for the US government and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) — charges upward of $100 million. But, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-low-cost-chandrayaan-and-mars-missions-come-at-a-price/articleshow/70226652.cms">keeping costs low comes with its own price.</a> Most of India’s missions, like Mangalyaan and the upcoming Gaganyaan, are technology demonstrators rather than long-term voyages which collect data. Private participation The market for space launches is getting increasingly competitive with private players entering the field globally. In India, only the public sector is allowed to launch rockets into space. Private participation, so far, has been limited to building components and technologies for ISRO, on a small scale. The Indian government is currently mulling over the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-space-activities-bill-addresses-damage-in-outer-space/articleshow/69960212.cms">‘Space Activities Bill’</a> to align its liability in outer space with international standards. Once the bill comes into place, it will allow private players to launch rockets with a government license. “ISRO, competent as it is, cannot be the only warden of India’s space ambitions and necessities. This role should be extended to the private sector just as other countries are doing,” according to Chaitanya Giri, a fellow with the space and ocean studies programme at Gateway House — the Indian council on global relations. (With IANS inputs) See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-low-cost-chandrayaan-and-mars-missions-come-at-a-price/articleshow/70226652.cms">India’s low cost space missions come at a price</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/union-budget-2019-isros-new-commerical-arm-is-new-space-india-limited/articleshow/70086097.cms">India forms a new space company to sell ISRO’s space technology products</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-space-activities-bill-addresses-damage-in-outer-space/articleshow/69960212.cms">India’s new ‘Space Activities Bill’ will fix the liability for damage caused in outer space</a>

ISRO’s commercial operations clock in over ₹60 billion in revenue but leaves private players out of the equation

India has four fully built satellites ready for launch and shipment to the rocket port out of the 12 that were built during 2019-2020, said a senior official of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). India realised 12 satellites during 2019-2020 out of which eight have been launched and four are ready for launch and transfer to the rocket port at Sriharikota, said P. Kunhikrishnan, Director, U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) part of ISRO. He was speaking at a space sector conference 'Ushering the new era in Indian Space Sector' organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Antrix Corporation Limited and supported by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). Kunhikrihnan said out of the four satellites, GISAT-1 is ready for launch at the rocket port in Sriharikota. The other three satellites - Microsat-2A, GSAT-12R and, RISAT-2BR2- are ready for shipment to the rocket port. The launch of GISAT-1 satellite slated for March 5, 2020 was postponed due to technical reasons a day before the launch. According to him, the challenge in making satellites is that all are different and not uniform. Further unlike a rocket which has to perform its task of putting a satellite into orbit in about 20 minutes, a satellite has to work in a harsh environment for about 20 years. Kunhikrishnan said the future plan for satellite manufacturing from 'build to print' to 'build to specs'. He said India has 52 satellites up in the sky. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/first-intact-planet-found-circling-a-dead-star-this-jupiter-sized-anomaly-is-in-orbit-rather-than-being-pulled-apart-at-the-seams/articleshow/78166938.cms">First 'intact' planet found circling a dead star — this Jupiter-sized anomaly is in orbit rather than being pulled apart at the seams</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/markets/news/hcl-tech-enters-the-list-of-top-10-most-valued-companies-in-india/articleshow/78165311.cms">HCL Tech enters the list of top 10 most valued companies in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/latest-updates-on-india-china-border-issue/articleshow/78162853.cms">India will take necessary steps against China — 'We will not back down,' asserts Rajnath Singh</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/muthoot-finance-says-this-years-growth-is-likely-to-exceed-guidance/articleshow/78159469.cms">EXCLUSIVE: Muthoot Finance says this year's growth is likely to exceed guidance</a>

ISRO's GISAT-1, Microsat-2A, GSAT-12R and RISAT-2BR2 satellites are ready for launch

<ul><li>The Indian Space Research Organisation (<keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>) is looking to top <keyword id="6355315" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="elon-musk">Elon Musk</keyword>'s <keyword id="6360701" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="spacex">SpaceX</keyword> success by applying reusable launch technology (RLT) to their <keyword id="1557817" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="rocket-launches">rocket launches</keyword>. </li><li>Unlike SpaceX, who only used RLT in the first stage of a rocket launch, ISRO's wants to apply it to the second stage as well. </li><li>The application of RLT to the second stage of a rocket launch is something that no other space agency in the world has been able to achieve so far.</li></ul>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is following in Elon Musk’s footsteps by trying to replicate the success SpaceX had with its reusable launch technology (RLT). It’s even looking to take it a lot further. SpaceX was only able to apply RLT to the first stage of a rocket launch, but ISRO wants to conduct an advanced version that will also carry into the second stage. The test is scheduled to take place between the months of June and July, later this year. <keyword id="2003919" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="K-Sivan">K Sivan</keyword>, the Chairman at ISRO, told the <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-developing-technology-to-reuse-first-second-stages-of-rocket/articleshow/67532655.cms">Times of India</a>, “The second stage recovery has never been tried by any other space agency in the world, not even SpaceX.” ISRO’s success with this mission could make it a bigger part of the global market that’s set to grow to $7 billion by 2024. Building on ISRO’s commercial success Reusable launch technology (RLT) basically allows the company to re-use its first stage rocket for multiple launches. Not only does it save the company money, but also time that would be spent building a rocket from scratch. ISRO has already had some <a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/update/23-may-2016/india%E2%80%99s-reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-demonstrator-rlv-td-successfully">success</a> with it back in 2016 when it launched the HS9 solid rocket booster from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The Reusable Launch Vehicle - Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) on board the HS9 survived re-entry and neatly landed in the designated area over the Bay of Bengal. Currently, SpaceX dominates the global market for rocket launches. Starting out in 2009, it was able to capture more than 50% of the market share by 2018 — largely due to their use of reusable technology. On the other hand, Antrix Corporation Limited, the commercial and marketing arm of ISRO, only caters to 0.6% of the global market. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isro-nasa-just-spotted-a-black-hole-spinning-so-fast-that-it-could-be-making-space-itself-rotate/articleshow/66416605.cms">ISRO, NASA just spotted a black hole spinning so fast that it could be making space itself rotate</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isro-pads-up-to-make-indias-manned-mission-into-space-a-reality/articleshow/64887057.cms">ISRO pads up to make India's manned mission into space a reality</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isro-creates-a-space-for-the-private-industry-to-collaborate-for-27-satellites/articleshow/65073240.cms">ISRO creates a space for the private industry, to collaborate for 27 satellites</a>

India’s apex space agency is following Elon Musk's idea — and taking it a step forward

A mission to study the Sun, and launching a climate observation satellite, a test vehicle as part of Gaganyaan human space flight programme and an Indo-US synthetic aperture radar -- <keyword id="6358064" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro" source="Orion">ISRO</keyword> has a packed schedule ahead. In addition, XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite), the country's first dedicated polarimetry mission to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions, is also ready for launch, an ISRO official said on Tuesday. Aditya-L1, the first space-based Indian observatory to study the Sun, is getting ready for the launch, most likely in September first week. According to ISRO Chairman, Somanath S, the space agency has also lined up the launch of a climate observation satellite INSAT-3DS. The launch of a test vehicle mission, for the validation of the crew escape system for Gaganyaan, the country's maiden human space flight mission, is also expected soon. "(Then) we have to launch NISAR, the India-US built Synthetic Aperture Radar", Somanath said in his independence day address at ISRO headquarters here on August 15. "So, our hands are full." "We are going to build a large number of satellites for our security purpose as well in the coming days," Somanath had said. According to ISRO officials, NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory being jointly developed by US space agency NASA and ISRO. NISAR will map the entire globe in 12 days and provide spatially and temporally consistent data for understanding changes in Earth's ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation biomass, sea level rise, ground water and natural hazards including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and landslides, they said. "It carries L and S dual band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), which operates with Sweep SAR technique to achieve large swath with high resolution data. The SAR payloads mounted on Integrated Radar Instrument Structure (IRIS) and the spacecraft bus are together called an observatory", an ISRO official noted. Before undertaking the Gaganyaan human space (manned) flight mission, ISRO has planned two unmanned missions. "We are getting ready for the (first of the two) unmanned crew module mission by the beginning of next year", an ISRO official said. The objective of the Gaganyaan mission is to demonstrate the capability of conducting human space flight mission to LEO on-board Indian Launch vehicle. The Orbital module consists of a Crew module and a Service module. Crew module, which is a pressurised module, acts as living quarters for the crew. The orbital module will be positioned in approximately 400 km circular orbit around earth for one to 3 days &amp; the crew module will return at the designated location at sea. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/how-to-find-unclaimed-bank-deposits-using-udgam-portal/articleshow/102830161.cms">Have unclaimed bank deposits? Here’s how to find it using UDGAM portal</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indian-pc-market-declines-for-fourth-consecutive-quarter-reports-15-decline/articleshow/102822733.cms">Indian PC market declines for fourth consecutive quarter, reports 15% decline</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/gboard-checkout-upcoming-features-of-google-app/articleshow/102649444.cms">Gboard to onboard AI for stickers, proofreading and more</a>

A packed launch schedule for ISRO after Chandrayaan-3 mission

<ul><li>The Indian government has approved ₹10 billion in funding for programmes at the <keyword id="116095" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Space-Research-Organisation">Indian Space Research Organisation</keyword> (<keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>). </li><li>The resources will be distributed between the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (<keyword id="6395832" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="PSLV">PSLV</keyword>) and the <keyword id="502946" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Geosynchronous-Satellite-Launch-Vehicle">Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle</keyword> Mark-III (<keyword id="138322" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="GSLV">GSLV</keyword> Mk-III) projects. </li><li>Though ISRO is a research and development agency, their commercial launches help optimise costs.</li></ul>Despite recent setbacks, the central government has <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/in-big-boost-to-isro-centre-approves-rs-10-000-crore-plan-for-future-missions-1863715">green-lit</a> a budget of over ₹10 billion ($149 million) for projects at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The funds are meant to provide a boost to the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III (GSLV Mk-III) programmes. It’s not that ISRO’s reputation is coming into question but the launch failure of the GSAT-11 and its recall along with the GSAT-6A going incommunicado has cast a shadow on matters nonetheless. Analysts have <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/spate-of-setbacks-leaves-space-agency-isro-on-edge/story-PZZD1X19GdbVdiclNk76YP.html">surmised</a> that since ISRO operates on a ‘shoestring’ budget, direct monetary losses is where failures will have the most impact. Hedging against risk One has to understand that agency launches aren’t the same as commercial launches. Normally, the objective behind a commercial launch is to place the satellite in orbit, and then they’re done. On the other hand, when an agency launches a satellite not only do have to ensure the launch is a success but they also have to put measures in place to manage the pre-launch and post-launch operations. So, monetary losses occur across the board whenever there’s a failed launch because delays and re-testing are resource intensive. Considering that none of the satellites launched from India by the agency are <a href="http://www.rediff.com/money/2006/jul/14mspec.htm">insured</a>, it’s all the more reason to double check everything before sending the satellite into space. Because, once it’s lost, it’s a sunk cost for the agency. In order to hedge against that risk, it makes sense that ISRO is providing a boost to its launch vehicles. Operating through its commercial partner, Antrix, India is a <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/science/with-100-successful-satellite-launches-isro-in-new-orbit/article10029737.ece">dominant</a> player in the market that’s currently growing exponentially. Thus, it’s possible for more launch vehicles to increase the number of commercial launches that India can cater to. That being said, competition has been on the rise with the entry of new firms like SpaceX and Blue Origin. Their reusable technology <a href="https://futurism.com/elon-musk-with-new-spacex-tech-rocket-costs-will-drop-by-a-factor-of-100/">drastically</a> reduces the cost of launching rockets. There have been <a href="https://www.geospatialworld.net/blogs/isros-resuable-rocket-in-pipeline-but-may-take-some-time/">reports</a> of ISRO’s own reusable rocket being developed, but that may take some time. Nonetheless, ISRO’s Chairman K Sivan has <a href="http://www.defencenews.in/article/Spate-of-setbacks-leaves-space-agency-ISRO-on-edge-558627">emphasised</a> that the agency, at the end of the day, is a research and development (R&amp;D) platform. He explained that commercial launches only serve the purpose of optimising the cost of access to space and keeping up with industry standards. PSLV, GSLV Mk-III Programs From the budget of ₹10 billion, ₹6 billion ($89 million) is allocated for 30 PSLV operational flights as a part of the PSLV Continuation Programme, which is currently in Phase 6. Not only does this include the purchase of 30 PSLV vehicles, but also covers the costs associated with the launch campaign, facility augmentation and programme management. These flights will serve the purpose of meeting the required amount of satellites needed for Earth Observation, navigation and space species. And, the government claims that all the flights will be completed between 2019 to 2024. At the same time, funding for the GSLV Mk-III Continuation Programme amounts to approximately ₹4 billion ($59 million) which will be directed towards the Phase 1. Inclusive of 10 flights, unlocking this weight category will enable India’s self-reliance for future launches of communication satellites in the four-tonne class. The PSLV, on the other hand, has already <a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/launchers/pslv">launched</a> 48 Indian satellites and 209 international payloads. (Representative image: <a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/sites/default/files/galleries/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%8F%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%8F%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%80%20-%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8035%20/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%9F%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%9F-1%20%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80/view5.jpg" data-type="tilCustomLink">ISRO</a>)

You Searched For "Antrix" and got 9 results

US court asks ISRO's commercial arm to $1.2 billion compensation to Bengaluru start-up for cancelling a satellite deal

PTI

Antrix website not hacked, damage done purposefully

BI India Bureau

Success Of GSLV Cryogenic Engine Means Good Money Too

Times Of India

India could pay up to $1bn in damages as it loses a huge arbitration internationally

BI India Bureau

ISRO’s commercial operations clock in over ₹60 billion in revenue but leaves private players out of the equation

Prabhjote Gill

ISRO's GISAT-1, Microsat-2A, GSAT-12R and RISAT-2BR2 satellites are ready for launch

IANS

India’s apex space agency is following Elon Musk's idea — and taking it a step forward

Prabhjote Gill

A packed launch schedule for ISRO after Chandrayaan-3 mission

PTI

Indian Government approves ₹10 billion budget for two of its space programs

Prabhjote Gill

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