June 2013 News 4 ISRO GEARS UP FOR ENTRY OF PRIVATE SECTOR

ISRO GEARS UP FOR ENTRY OF PRIVATE SECTOR

The country's premier space research centre is going ahead with its plans to rope in industry in its activities working towards the launch of the first privately-built rocket in the next five years. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has embarked on transferring production of communication satellites and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLVs) to the industry.
"We are now setting up a national committee to work out the modalities on how to go about it. " ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan said.
He said the initial steps to tie up with industry were taken at a meeting in Ahmedabad at the start of the year. "My target is five years from now on. Five years from now, the first PSLV will roll out from that entity," Radhakrishnan said. He said that the proposed national committee would look at various steps in this regard, including revenue model, technology transfer etc. The industry participation in development of communication satellites is upto 80%. Wire more involvement, ISRO scientists will be able to
concentrate on research oriented activities.