Rediff On The NeT: Insat 2D launch showcases Indian talent

Insat 2D launch showcases Indian talent

The successful launch of the indigenously built Insat-2D, the fourth satellite in the second generation communication Insat-2 series, is evidence that Indian space scientists can improve and upgrade the payloads of satellites.

The capability of the Indian space programme is clear from the fact that even Intelsat, which has more satellites than any other commercial organisation yet, has leased transponders from Insat-2E, the last of the second generation satellites which will be launched early next year.

Insat-2D's launch was preceded by the launch of Insat-2A in 1992, Insat-2B in 1993 and Insat-2C in 1995. Insat-2E is the last in the series.

The successful launch also gratified space scientists, who have been working on such technology for the past three decades, starting with a humble beginning in 1963 from a foundation laid by Dr Homi Bhabha and Dr Vikram Sarabhai. The low-budget Indian space programme is now a trendsetter among developing nations.

The space programme has not only helped the country's communication, broadcast and telecast capability, but also assists in education, meteorology and an integrated programme for sustainable development in rural areas. It also employs over 10,000 technical personnel in the bargain.

It has also helped enhance the quality of technology used by more than 500 units in the Indian industrial sector.

The programme first laid focus on experimental studies of the upper atmosphere, developing a family of sounding rockets. By the 1970s, efforts were on to fabricate indigenous satellites and a simple satellite launch vehicle.

The first space endeavour was the successful launch of the 360 kg Aryabhatta satellite from the Soviet Union in 1975. The succeeding decade saw the first successful flight of the launch vehicle that put a 35 kg Rohini sounding satellite into space. This was followed by Bhaskara I and II satellites for earth observation and Apple, for communication and radio networking. Though the satellites were launched through acquired launchers, the Indian space scientists had their first feel of manoeuvring a satellite from transfer orbit to its final niche in space.

During the same decade, India built a multipurpose Indian satellite system, the Insat series. Three of them -- Insat 1A, Insat 1B and Insat 1C -- were launched, but only Insat-1B worked well, lasting 10 years.

The Insat series ushered in a revolution in telecommunication, radio and television broadcasting besides meteorology. Insat-1B enabled nationwide coverage of television through 500 stations and provided five channels to 100-odd radio stations. The Insat-1B legacy was carried through the current decade also, with Insat 2A and 2B being launched in 1992 and 1993, enhancing communications and broadcasting.

At the same time, Indian remote sensing satellites were also launched successfully with the launching of IRS-1A and 1B, both built indigenously. They were effectively used for management of natural resources.

In 1994, India's Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle put a 150 kg Rohini satellite series into orbit. In the same year, the upgraded Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its second developmental flight, putting a 900 kg class IRS-P2 in polar-sun synchronous orbit. The space programme is going strong with the launches of Insat-2C and 2D, which carried the mobile satellite service, besides adding the powerful Ku band that will help business communications.

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