Time to look for private investments: Indian Space Research Organisation chief.

BANGALORE, Feb. 29: IN the quick changing canvas of communications infrastructure that is being defined by growing public needs and corporate inputs, Indian space is no exception. For the 30-year- old Indian Space Research Organisation, the premier Government body that takes its social responsibilities seriously, telecommunications and remote sensing are just two of them. But there is no forsaking emerging corporate interests in its realm either.

In January this year, the contours were further defined for the satcom policy which heralds private sector forays into satellite building and ownership; a step which also spins ISRO into a new collaborative orbit.

Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, has in the last six years presided over the organisation's string of successes, steered its recent commercial entry into global launch vehicle services. Excerpts from the interview to Business Line about what it all means for ISRO, of emerging partnerships and the things to come.

How will the entry of the private sector component in the areas of satellites affect ISRO? …