ISRO tests private satellites for first time

New delhi date. 12 February 2021, Friday

Two satellites SpaceKidz India and Pixxel have been tested by Indian startups at ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Center. This was the first time for ISRO that it has tested any private satellite. Earlier, ISRO only helped private companies to manufacture various spare parts for rockets and satellites.

ISRO's doors were opened to private companies in January last year. This has become possible after the government's decision. An independent Indian National Space Enhancement and Authority Center has been set up not only to monitor the space activities of the private sector but also to facilitate ISRO.

Exactly eight months after the announcement, ISRO is all set to launch the satellites as part of a PSLV mission scheduled for later this month. This will be the first mission where satellites will be launched commercially by ISRO by Indian industry.

These satellites have been designed by students of SpaceCridge India. Which will be launched in January 2019 as an experiment in the third phase of PSLV.