Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=04/18/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= INDIA / SPACE (L-ONLY) (CQ)

NUMBER=2-275036

BYLINE=ANJANA PASRICHA

DATELINE=NEW DELHI

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// EDS: FIXING GRAF 7, ADDING THE UNITED STATES TO LIST ///

INTRO: India has successfully launched a new rocket carrying an

experimental satellite into orbit. Anjana Pasricha reports from New Delhi,

the launch signals India's entry into an elite group of nations that are

able to put commercial satellites into space.

TEXT: Indian scientists applauded as the rocket soared into the sky from

the Sriharikota launch site in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

There was good reason for the scientists to cheer. The launch of the

Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, known as the G-S-L-V, had been

aborted last month when flames enveloped one of the engines. But on

Wednesday, relieved scientists said the launch of the G-S-L-V went off

"without a hitch" and it successfully placed a 1.5 tonne experimental

satellite into a "perfectly determined orbit."

Work on the project had been a struggle against a decade of

sanctions imposed by Western countries due to concerns about its possible

military spin-offs. Most of the hardware in the rocket is indigenous.

The success of the launch is an important first step in India joining an

exclusive club of space powers that have the technology to launch commercial

satellites.

A geosynchronous satellite orbits the earth at the same speed as the planet

rotates. This allows the satellite to remain over a fixed spot on the

earth's surface, and serve as a station for transmitting communication

signals.

The satellite launch is India's most technologically advanced space project. It

cost an estimated 300 million dollars. The G-S-L-V can only be declared

operational after two successful tests. But if it works, the country could reap considerable benefits.

With the development of the rocket, India hopes to save on the cost of launching its own satellites - and also gain a foothold in the multi-billion dollar global satellite launch market. Indian scientists say they plan to offer satellite launch services at lower costs compared to France, Russia, the United States, the European Space Agency and China.

Western defense experts say the rocket will also give nuclear-capable India

the ability to test a range of military technologies. (signed)

NEB/AP/KBK