The government on Wednesday (10 February) informed the Parliament that over 300 satellites from 33 different countries have been launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) till date.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Space Jitendra Singh said that the Department of Space has been involved in launching satellites of foreign countries since long.

"Total number of satellites launched till date is 328 from 33 different countries and the revenue earned till date is $25 million and 189 million Euros.

He further informed that the government has established NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a PSU under Department of Space, to commercially launch satellites and become financially self-reliant.

The minister said that ISRO is striving towards achieving Atmanirbharta in the field of capacity development in launching satellites and therefore, no policy is envisaged for seeking foreign cooperation in this direction.

In another related question, Singh said that ISRO facilities are extended to Indian industries and academia for testing their space systems. Satellites from Space Kidz India and Syzygy Space Technologies have undergone testing at UR Rao Satellite Centre of ISRO.

He said that participation of private sector in space activities in India is expected to result in development of cutting edge technologies, new applications and services. Overall it will make a bigger impact on space economy, he added.