[Satellite Today 07-30-09] India signed a technology safeguards agreement with the United States on July 20 to facilitate the launch of non-commercial U.S. satellites on Indian launch vehicles, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced July 28.
    The agreement also includes allowing satellites with U.S. components, previously prohibited on Indian spacecraft, to be launched on Indian rockets.
    ISRO estimates the total global market for non-commercial launches at about 40 satellites a year. India’s contribution to that number has been minor. ISRO said it hopes the TSA agreement will enable India to claim a larger stake in the market.
    Despite the agreement, India is still prohibited from launching heavy commercial U.S. satellites or components.