Press Release

Contact: John Edwards, Space Systems Analyst

Phone: (203) 426-0800

Fax: (203) 426-4262

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E-mail: john.edwards@forecast1.com

Forecast International, Inc.

22 Commerce Rd. Newtown, CT  06470 USA

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

India's Space Program Among the World's Finest

 

BANGALORE, India (June 21, 2004) — The exclusive brotherhood of elite space-faring nations has quietly expanded to include the nation of India.  When discussing space programs around the world, all too often the manned spaceflight programs of the United States, Russia and China garner the lion's share of media attention. These missions exemplify the continuing efforts of humans to expand our knowledge of the cosmos while simultaneously ensuring mankind's continued presence in space.  In the spirit of exploration these missions are critical; however, while we seek to travel to and investigate planets in our solar system, we must also consider the crucial issues that are impacting the environment of the planet that we inhabit.  It is in this effort that the contributions of civil and commercial remote sensing satellites prove their worth, and the nation that operates the largest single fleet of these satellites is India.

India currently owns and operates a fleet of five remote sensing satellites, with a sixth, the Cartosat-2, being put through testing for a launch within the year.  India has been a dominant player in remote sensing for decades and its ever-expanding launch vehicle and satellite programs have also been a model for other nations to emulate.

The technology that is used for Earth observation typically comes to the forefront of the public's attention during military actions.  This is mainly due to the use of these imagery assets by the media to highlight bomb damage assessments and for the dramatic "eye in the sky" perspective they provide.  However, it is critical to remember that the international remote sensing satellite industry provides an incredibly powerful resource to those seeking aerial views for non-hostile motivations as well.

 

No other countries in the world can boast the level of success in the realm of remote sensing enjoyed by India and the United States, with these two nations showing promise of increased cooperation in their space endeavors.  President George W. Bush has vowed to expand on the space cooperation initiatives set forth in November 2001, stating that "cooperation in these areas will deepen the ties of commerce and friendship between our two nations, and will increase stability in Asia and beyond."  The United States and India also share a democratic tradition and, with India developing into one of the most important space-faring nations in the 21st century, a strategic partnership is long overdue. 

 

Forecast International, Inc., is a leading provider of Market Intelligence and Analyses in the areas of aerospace, defense, power systems and military electronics.  Based in Newtown, CT, USA, Forecast International specializes in long-range industry forecasts and innovative marketing presentations, including regular 10-year forecasts.  To arrange an interview with Forecast International's analysts, please contact Monty Nebinger (203-426-0800, monty.nebinger@forecast1.com).