Isro plans to launch 58 space missions, including sending
spacecraft to the moon and Mars, launching an exclusive
satellite to keep a round-the-clock watch on the country, and
deploy 500 transponders in the next five years. The space agency
also aims to deploy its own version of the Global Positioning
System by putting into orbit a constellation of seven satellites
which would form the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite
System (IRNSS). According to the 12th Five-Year-Plan, approved
by the Cabinet last week, the Indian Space Research Organisation
plans to add 400 transponders to the existing 187 to meet the
growing demand from DTH operators, satellite mobile
communications and new generation broadband VSAT systems. An
indicative plan outlay of Rs 39,750 crore for the 12th Plan has
been made for the Department of Space. “Overall, 58 missions are
planned for realisation during 12th Plan period which includes
33 satellite missions and 25 launch vehicle missions,” the 12th
Plan document says. The space agency