Cabinet gives its approval for PSLV Continuation Programme of fifteen operational flights

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) Continuation Programme of fifteen operational flights of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C36 to PSLV-C50.

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The PSLV Continuation Programme will enable the launch of satellites required for earth observation, navigation and space sciences along with the possibility of clinching commercial launch service contracts.

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The total fund requirement is Rs. 3,090 crore and includes the cost of fifteen PSLV vehicles, programme elements, programme management and launch campaign.

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The PSLV Continuation Programme will meet the demand for the launch of satellites at a frequency of four to five launches per year, with a greater focus on enhancing the level of participation by the Indian industry. All the fifteen operational flights would be completed during the period 2017-2020.

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Presently, PSLV operational flights, which were sanctioned in 2008, are being utilized to meet the satellite launch requirements.

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The operationalisation of PSLV has made the country self-reliant in the launching capability of satellites for earth observation, disaster management, navigation and space sciences.

The PSLV Continuation Programme will sustain this capability and self-reliance in the launching of similar satellites for national requirements.

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PSLV has emerged as a versatile launch vehicle to carry out Sun-Synchronous Polor Orbit (SSPO), Geo-synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and low inclination Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions.

With the recent successful launch of PSLV-C26 on October 16, 2014, PSLV has completed three developmental and twenty-five operational flights and the last twenty-seven flights have been successively successful.

PSLV has established itself as a workhorse vehicle for national satellites with a production capacity that would enable responding fast to commercial launch opportunities also.