Union Cabinet approves PSLV Continuation Programme

Union Cabinet has approved continuation of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) programme for another fifteen operational flights of PSLV-C36 to PSLV-C50.
The decision in this regard was taken at a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
All the fifteen operational flights under this programme will be completed during the period 2017-2020.
The continuation PSLV programme will enable Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to launch of satellites required for earth observation & navigation and Space Sciences.
It will also help government to clinch commercial launch service contracts and meet the demand for the launch of satellites at a frequency of four to five launches per year.
The continuation of programme will add additional 3090 crore rupees on government exchequer.

About Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) programme

• It was sanctioned by Union Government in 2008 to use PSLV as a workhorse vehicle to meet the country’s satellite launch requirements.
• The operationalisation of this programme has made India self-reliant in the launching capability of satellites for the purpose of earth observation, disaster management, space sciences and navigation.
• PSLV also has emerged as a versatile launch vehicle to carry out Geo-synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), Sun-Synchronous Polor Orbit (SSPO) and low inclination Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions.

Thus, continuation of PSLV programme will help to sustain India’s capability and self-reliance in the launching of similar satellites for national requirements and even play key role in commercial launch opportunities also.