Address to the Members of Isro Community at Shar

I am very happy to dedicate the second launch pad for launching operational PSLV. Last time when I came and yesterday when I visited the second launch pad there is a big difference. It is not just a launch pad, it is a launch complex which is the culmination of the marvels of technology and lot of hard work by the teams of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation, industries and academic partners. My congratulations.

ISRO is indeed now ready not only for meeting the needs of building satellite launch vehicles for space vehicle launches for India, but also ISRO is ready for marketing launch systems and launch services globally. The space world is highly competitive. The cost, quality - reliability and just in time in the market are the three dimensions for competitiveness. ISRO has proved its capability by many events including today?s launch. Now ISRO design, development and operational capability in this decade, has to move towards a competitive nation to export various space systems and services.

I was with you from 1962 to 1982. It was one of my beautiful periods of life for learning, performing, when the problems appear defeating the problem and succeeding with your partnership. Of course we had some time sweet tears, sometime salty tears, but your hands were always there with a kerchief of love.

When I saw the second launch pad, which has the capability of launching PSLV, GSLV and future GSLVs, I visualize another launch pad to come within the next four decades. It will not be what it is today, it will be a SPACEDROME where hyperplane, a re-usable launch system with minimum 15% of payload capability of the take-off weight will take off for Lunar factories and MARS human habitat.

My best wishes to all of you.