What Makes Rocket Launching of ISRO So Cheap?
Image credits: ISRO
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is known for its low-cost space programs. Its Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), which was launched in 2013, cost just $74 million, making it the cheapest Mars mission ever.
There are several factors that contribute to the low cost of ISRO’s rocket launches.
Frugal engineering: ISRO engineers are experts at designing and building rockets that are simple and efficient. They use off-the-shelf components whenever possible, and they avoid unnecessary complexity.
Indigenization: ISRO has a strong program of indigenizing its rocket technology. This means that it produces as many of the components for its rockets as possible in India. This reduces the cost of imports and helps to create jobs in the Indian space industry.
Reuse: ISRO has a number of reusable rockets, such as the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). This helps to reduce the cost of each launch.
Volume discounts: ISRO launches a large number of rockets each year. This gives it the negotiating power to get volume discounts from its suppliers.
Government support: ISRO is a government agency, and it receives significant financial support from the Indian government. This helps to keep its costs down.
As a result of these factors, ISRO is able to launch rockets at a fraction of the cost of other space agencies. This makes it a major player in the global space industry, and it is well-positioned to continue its low-cost space programs in the years to come.
In addition to the factors mentioned above, ISRO also saves money by:
Using a competitive bidding process for contracts.
Strict cost control throughout the development and launch process.
Avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy.
ISRO’s low-cost space programs are a testament to the ingenuity and efficiency of its engineers and scientists. They have developed a number of innovative technologies that have helped to make space exploration more affordable. ISRO’s success is a source of pride for India, and it is a model for other developing countries that are interested in pursuing space exploration.
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