DATE=11/24/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=INDIA SPACE LAUNCH
NUMBER=2-256498
BYLINE=ANJANA PASRICHA
DATELINE=NEW DELHI
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Next month, Indian scientists will test-fire a
cryogenic engine that will help the nation launch its
own satellites into space. From New Delhi, Anjana
Pasricha reports, the project is being described as a
milestone for India's space program, and is expected
to give a boost to the country's efforts to step into
the international space launch market.
Text: The powerful cryogenic engine can carry
communication satellites of up to two-thousand,500
kilograms into space. So far India launches its bigger
satellites from France, because India's capabilities
are limited to sending smaller satellites into a lower
orbit. The spokesman for India's Space Organization,
G. Krishnamurthy, explains the cryogenic engines will
enhance India's satellite launching capabilities.
///Insert Krishanmurthy act///
It will give us the capability to launch INSAT (the
name of a series of Indian communication satellites)
class of two-thousand to two-thousand,500 kg
satellites into geo-stationary transfer orbit. Right
now our capability is limited to polar satellite
launch vehicles where we are able to put one-thousand
kg. into nearer orbits of about 800 to one-thousand
kilometers.
///end Krishnamurthy act///
So far only an exclusive club consisting of the United
States, Russia, France, China and Japan possess the
cryogenic engine technology.
India began developing the technology in 1992 - soon
after Russia scrapped an agreement to supply the
cryogenic know-how to India's space agency.
India had then accused Moscow of acting under pressure
from the United States, which asked Russia to halt the
technology transfer because it could also be used in
New Delhi's nuclear program.
Project director, Gnanagandhi (uses only one name)
explains, after the cryogenic engine is test-fired
next month, India will belong to the elite club of
nations who have the capability to launch heavier
satellites into upper space.
///Insert Gnanagandhi act///
It is a very big milestone, because cryo technology
today, in the world only five people (nations) are
having. We are going to be the sixth nation, handling
liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen in rocketry.
///End Gnanagandhi act///
For decades, India's space program has focused on
providing services such as telecommunications and
weather forecasting. But earlier this year India
launched three small foreign commercial satellites
into space, becoming the first developing country to
enter the lucrative global commercial space launch
market. The cryogenic engine technology will enable
the country to tap a wider satellite launch market.
(signed)
NEB/AP/PLM
24-Nov-1999 05:44 AM EDT (24-Nov-1999 1044 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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