Isro to soon launch 8 satellites, says chairman

 Isro will reach yet another milestone in space technology by launching eight more satellites, three of which will be indigenously developed satellites.

Five of these satellites, which will be developed by a Singapore-based company, will be launched on December 16. The other three indigenous satellites are likely to be launched next year between January and March, said A S Kiran Kumar, Chairman, Isro. He was speaking after inaugurating the 100th foundation day celebration of Karnatak Lingayat Education (KLE) Society at KLE Centenary Convention Centre here on Saturday. Kumar said Isro has achieved worldwide fame for having the most reliable launch vehicle. The first lunar probe Chandrayan-1 proved the presence of water molecules on the Moon. Till date, the agency has launched 75 Indian satellites and as many as 51 satellites, which were developed by foreign countries, he added.

The country has come long way in developing indigenous satellites that have contributed to the development of various fields including education, meteorological, telecommunication, among others, he added.

Satellites send images every 30 minutes, helping predict the occurrence of natural disasters including cyclones. Satellites have also been helping fisherman by providing information about the presence and location of fish along the costal line. Satellite technology has also contributed to the banking sector and agriculture industry.

Siddeshwar Swami of Jnana Yogashram in Vijayapura, KLE society chairman and Rajya Sabha member Prabhakar Kore, KLE society president Shivanand Koujalagi, vice President Ashok Bagewadi, secretary B G Desai and others were present on the occasion.