Antrix Under Isro Provides A Host Of Space Services

By Author: John
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Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) participates in various scientific space activities as well as for the ground systems such as the MST Radar. Antrix is the commercial wing of ISRO that offers a host of space and satellite related services. Besides providing test, construction, tracking, control and launch facilities the commercial wing also undertakes PSLV and GSLV launch services for the clients.

PSLV and GSLV Features
PSLV is the abbreviation for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and it is one of the expendable launch systems developed by ISRO. In addition; ISRO has also developed the GSLV or the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. Both these are satellite launch vehicles but the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle is used for low earth orbits only. It is the third generation satellite launch vehicle designed and developed by ISRO and is the first of all the Indian satellites that are equipped with liquid stages. The service has four stages and three variants namely G, CA, and XL. Usual height of PSLV is 44 m.

Commercial Satellite Launch Services by ISRO
Main wing of ISRO is concerned with satellite launch services for the Government and Armed Forces of the country. However it also has a wing named Antrix Corporation that takes care of commercial satellite launch services in the country and for overseas clients. Though it works under the administrative control of ISRO, the ACL in Bengaluru is a private limited company that is wholly owned by the Government of India. It was established in the year 1992 as the marketing arm of ISRO. The basic objective of setting up the company was commercial exploitation of the space products as well as expanding consultancy services transferring the technologies designed by ISRO. Antrix also aims to enhance space related industrial activities and capabilities across the country. Presently this commercial service of ISRO has clients worldwide.

Services Offered by Antrix
Among the various services rendered by ALC are the satellite launch services for commercial enterprises and other countries; providing space products as well as services, offering comprehensive state-of-the-art facilities and end-to-end solutions that include simple subsystems as well as complex spacecrafts. Other services provided are earth observation and communication system developments for clients around the globe.

Enviable Record in Satellite Launch Services
During 2016 the ISRO launched as many as 10 satellites and they weighted 10 times heavier in comparison to satellites launched by other countries. In the zone of PSLV launch services the C35 launched set up new records. It was longest satellite launch mission spanning over two hours and it released as many as 8 satellites including 5 overseas and 3 indigenous into two orbits besides launching 20 satellites in one go; an achievement unparalleled in history of satellite launch services so far.

ISRO generates most of its revenues through Antrix Corporation Limited, its commercial arm and the major share of revenue comes for sale of various satellite data in addition to leasing out the INSAT/GSAT transponders. It is dealing with other space institutes in Europe, Middle East, and South East Asia. There are currently over 1,100 satellites which are increased by 5-6 PSLV launches annually. Against such background the commercial satellite launch services offered by ALC under the overall supervision of ISRO has achieved significant importance.

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