Isro may have launched 79 satellites of 21 foreign nations but it still needs the very competent launch capacity of the European Space Agency in putting satellites weighing over three tonnes in space. GSAT-18, flawlessly placed in orbit Thursday morning from Kouru spaceport in French Guiana, was the 20th mission the Europeans handled for India, with a success story of placing 280 satellites in orbit with Ariane launchers. India is developing GSLV-3 to tackle these heavy launches, that aren’t yet a part of Isro’s capabilities. GSAT, with 48 transponders, will be a crucial workhorse in space strengthening the 14 operational telecommunications satellites in orbit and provide continuity of services. With replacements needed for ageing segments of an array of satellites in space, there is never a dull moment in the contemporary history of India’s elite space programme.Two more launches are planned through Ariane early next year.

It’s been an exciting year for India’s space agency, that went beyond the routine in testing its Scramjet engine, the key to future space transport as it can burn atmospheric oxygen at supersonic speeds. Isro’s capacity to dream big is the most exciting part of its multinational operations as a launcher of satellites for the world in lighter categories. At a time when space exploration is growing hugely with private players taking keen interest, Isro is keeping pace with its dream projects. The agency is to simulate landing on the moon with a lander-rover, which is to go to space aboard Chandrayaan-II in 2017. Mars beckons, with regard to follow-on projects too.