ISRO, Boeing to develop communication satellite soon

The US Government recently approved a licence authorising Boeing Satellite Systems of USA to engage with the Indian Space Research Organisat...

The US Government recently approved a licence authorising Boeing Satellite Systems of USA to engage with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in building a communication satellite, US Undersecretary for Commerce Kenneth I. Juster said on Tuesday.

Juster said just before the ongoing Indo-US space meet here that the US Government had licensed Boeing to hold discussions with ISRO and share data on division of responsibilities for the proposed cooperation.

Later, talking to reporters, ISRO chairman G. Madhavan Nair said the proposed satellite would be similar to the two-tonne class INSAT satellite. It was designed for the global market and once the agreement was signed the satellite would take two years, Nair said.

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The composition of the satellite is yet to be discussed. However, it is expected to have 15 to 20 transponders. If the satellite is to have high capacity transponders, the number would be restricted to 12.

ISRO is in talks with Boeing on incorporating some of its payloads into the satellite, Nair added.

Earlier, the ISRO chief said the organisation would be able to provide launch services for other countries at 70 per cent of the international cost. He said India and US could join hands to provide launch services for the international market. Nair also said the two countries could collaborate in earth observation, monitoring and control of the environment and planetary exploration.

On the sidelines of the meet, an exhibition on astronaut Kalpana Chawla’s belongings is also on.

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