introduction
Globally, the space faring nations have enhanced their activities both in terms of the number of missions and complexity. The space programme in India is also witnessing an increase in the number of missions. Towards achieving shorter turnaround time for realising these missions, ISRO has been encouraging wider participation of the industries through technology transfer, technology utilisation and industry cooperation. This has started giving rich benefits to ISRO, in terms of industry significantly contributing in all the spheres of space endeavours in the country.
Indian space industry, over the past several years, has made significant foray in the field of telecommunications, broadcasting, remote sensing and applications of space technology i.e. telemedicine and tele-education. Association of more than 300 small, medium and large scale industries with SAC which has been a key feature of space industry partnership is a result of gradual nurturing of the symbiotic relationship over the past years. Active cooperation in the form of know-how transfers and provision of technical consultancy has enabled SAC to meet the increasing challenge of advanced technology and handling complex manufacturing jobs.
Technologies developed in-house which have potential requirements either for buyback or non-ISRO market are licensed to industries on non-exclusive basis, for commercial production. Technologies to more than 25 industries have been transferred so far from SAC that includes Distress Alert Transmitter, Automatic Weather Station, IGIS Software, ASIC based Demodulator, C and Ku band Receivers, Invar Demux filters for communication payloads; INSAT MSS Type C Terminal and Hub, etc.