Given the low-cost launch requirements of US small satellite companies, the absence of a relevant launch vehicle in the domestic market and the overall political relations between the US and India, it is imperative for the former to reassess its restriction on India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The Falcon 1 launch vehicle from SpaceX flickered as the response but its production was discontinued as the company moved into the domain of bigger launch vehicles. The US government argues that India’s reluctance to sign a Commercial Space Launch Agreement (CSLA) that ensures free-market principles and fair pricing is leading to this restriction. While the small satellite developers continue to face hurdles on the home front, India has initiated measures to convince the US government to remove the restriction on its launch vehicle. Overall, the ISRO stands to offer diverse low-cost launch alternatives in the near future with active involvement of India’s commercial space industry.

Source: dna July 04, 2016 01:52 UTC