ISRO used PSLV to launch 345 foreign spacecraft from 34 different nations since 1999

Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, announced that ISRO has signed six agreements with four nations for the launch of foreign satellites between 2021 and 2023. According to the Minister, the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has successfully launched 342 foreign satellites from 34 countries since 1999 on a commercial basis. Dr. Jitendra Singh stated in a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha today that the launch of these foreign satellites on a commercial basis will generate roughly 132 Million Euros.

KEY POINTS:

• Through its commercial subsidiary, New Space India Limited (NSIL), a government-owned business operating under the Department of Space (DOS), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has launched satellites for other nations on board the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for a fee.
• Six Launch Service Agreements have already been signed by NSIL with clients from four different nations for the launch of foreign satellites on board PSLV between 2021 and 2023.
• A total of 124 domestic satellites, including 12 student satellites, have been launched into Earth’s orbit.
• Dr. Jitendra Singh stated in a second written response to a similar issue in the Rajya Sabha today that a total of 342 foreign satellites from 34 different countries had been commercially launched on board the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) since 1999.
• The Minister claimed that during the past three years, India has generated approximately $35 million USD and 10 million EUR in foreign exchange earnings from the launch of foreign satellites aboard Indian launch vehicles (i.e., 2019- 2021).
• Foreign satellites that have been launched using Indian launch vehicles often serve Earth observation, scientific research, and technological demonstration needs.

Important Takeaways For All Competitive Exams:

• Union Minister of State for Science and Technology: Dr. Jitendra Singh