ISRO to Launch Satellites of Private Players onboard PSLV-C51

ISRO is all set to launch an earth observation satellite called ‘ANAND’. ANAND is completely built by a start-up as part of enabling private players in space exploration.

Highlights

• This is the first satellite built by any private player in India.
• ‘ANAND’ has been built by start-up called Pixel India.
• It will be launched from the Mission Control Centre after the successful launch of communication satellite ‘CMS-01’ on-board PSLV-C50.
• Apart from this satellite, two more satellites named ‘SATISH SAT’ and ‘UNIT-SAT’ would be sent.
• SATIS SAT has been built by ‘Space Kids India while ‘UNIT-SAT’ has been built by consortium of universities.

PSLV-C51 (mission)

This mission is a first of its kind in India. The mission will initiate a new era of space reforms in India. The mission is providing opportunity to the Private people to take part actively and provide services to the entire country.

Background

The step to allow private players in space exploration is in light of the Union Cabinet decision of June, 2020.  In June 2020, the Cabinet had decided to allow the participation of the private sector in the entire range of space activities. It also gave permission for participation of private players into planetary missions. The private sector would help in carrying out space activities including the building of rockets, satellites and providing launch services.

CMS-01

The satellite is formerly known as GSAT-12R. It wis communication satellite that has been designed and developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was successfully launched by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle XL C50 on December 17, 2020. The Satellite provides services including Satellite Internet access, tele-education, tele-medicine and disaster management support.