NEW DELHI: Satellite Communication capability was augmented with seven more satellites in the last three years with GSAT-6, GSAT-9, GSAT-15, GSAT-16, GSAT-17, GSAT-18, and GSAT-19.

Another major achievement since June 2014 has been the realisation of South Asia Satellite to enable South Asian countries to establish SATCOM based services such as Television/DTH, VSAT, e-governance, banking, tele-medicine & tele-education etc., with coverage over South Asia.

The Parliament was told by the minister of state in the department of space Dr Jitendra Singh that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had accomplished 41 missions, which includes 19 launch vehicle missions, 19 satellite missions and three technology demonstrator missions.

A notable achievement has been the successful launch of the first developmental flight of GSLV-MkIII, which validated new version of Indigenous Cryogenic Engine. With this capability, it will be possible to launch upto 4-tonne class of communication satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits (GTO).

ISRO has successfully enabled a host of applications using synergy of earth observation, communication and navigation satellites in governance and development.

India has created a niche in the field of space science & technology with launch services, earth observation, communication & navigation and application of space technology for national development.

Today, India stands one among the top six space faring nations in the world, the Minister said.

The areas which are benefitted/ likely to be benefitted with the utilization of space technology and its applications include broadcasting and telecommunications.

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