Megha-Tropiques

ISRO and French National Space Centre (CNES) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2004-05 for the development and implementation of Megha-Tropiques (Megha meaning cloud in Sanskrit and Tropiques meaning tropics in French).

The launch of Megha-Tropiques is planned by 2009-2010.Megha-Tropiques is aimed at understanding the life cycle of convective systems and to understand their role in the associated energy and moisture budget of the atmosphere in the tropical regions. The satellite will carry an Imaging Radiometer, a six channel Humidity Sounder and GPS Radio Occultation System.

ISRO to Launch Weather Satellite

After the success of the Chandrayaan mission, ISRO is all set on its next mission -- the launch of the 'Mehga Tropiques' -- an Indo-French weather satellite

The weather satellite has been jointly developed by the French Space Agency CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales) and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization).

'Mehga Tropiques' will study tropical weather and would aid in the study of cyclones, monsoon and other weather-related effects. The information obtained from the satellite would be shared by both the countries. The satellite would be launched by the end of 2009.

ISRO developing next-generation rocket for weighty satellite launches
After the victory of Chandrayaan-I, the mission to moon, ISRO is now developing the next generation launch vehicle to decrease the costs of putting satellites in orbit.

In 2009 ISRO is going to conduct a series of tests in the development of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark III, which is expected to take to the skies in the period of 2010-11. With the help of Antrix Corporation, the commercial arm of ISRO is conducting this new test. The new rocket, which can put a 4 tonne satellite in orbit and the regular GSLV, can put up to 2 tone satellites in orbit.

According to K Radhakrishnan, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, "The new year will see solid booster testing for the Mark III, followed by the liquid stage after which we will test the cryogenic engine stage. We are planning to have flight testing during 2010-11 period.

ISRO will be able to pack more transponders in one space flight. "This makes it a cost effective solution and will give us a niche in the world in launching 4tonne satellites. The GSLV Mark III will also help ISRO put more Indians in space at one go. As per the current plans, the agency plans to send two Indians on a week-long space sojourn in 2015. The regular GSLV will be used for the human spaceflight.