ISRO may enter one metre resolution imageries market

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is aiming to capture about 15 per cent of the $250 million one metre spatial resolution imageries market in next two years. ISRO got this capability with the launch of Indian Remote Sensing Cartosat-2 on January 10 this year.

These imageries find applications in urban infrastructure and transportation system planning, mapping of individual settlements and delineation and characterisation of micro watersheds.

Prior to the Cartosat-2 launch, ISRO was addressing the 2.5 metre spatial resolution market worth $120 million. "We have 20-25 per cent market of this. The one metre spatial resolution imageries from Cartosat-2 will help us grab 10-15 per cent market share of the one metre spatial resolution imageries market," K R Sridhar Murthy, head Antrix Corporation said here on Wednesday.

Of the 12 Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) Satellites launched by ISRO so far, six are in service, while the rest have completed their mission life.

Cartosat-1, the 11th satellite in the IRS series which was launched in May 5, 2005, has so far produced 5,000 imageries and Oceansat-1, launched on May 26, has so far produced 13,000 imageries. The major markets for imageries include the US and Europe.

Antrix markets the imageries either directly to the customers or through local resellers. The other growth markets Australia, Turkey, Brazil, Russia, Middle East and China.

In fiscal 2005-07, about 10 per cent of Antrix Corporation's total revenue of Rs 414 crore came from selling imageries. In fiscal 2006-07, revenues from imageries is expected to be more since Antrix is targeting a revenue of over Rs 500 crore, Murthy added.

To start with, ISRO has got orders in the domestic market from the ministry of urban development for the Urban Information System Programme. The programme intends to keep the data base on the Indian cities.

The ministry has identified 5,000 towns under the programme, of which 137 major cities across the country will be mapped in the first phase, ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair said.

On the proposed mission to Mars, Nair said ISRO was studying a proposal on a mission to Mars and was confident of undertaking a trip in five years after Centre gave its nod. If the Mars project starts now, ISRO would be in a position to undertake the mission in 2012, he added.