ISRO's GSLV-Mk III is designed to have such a launch capability. However, the indigenous 25 tonne thrust cryogenic engine C-25 for the rocket's final stage is still on the drawing board, with the official optimistic date for its readiness being 2009-10. So, with its current launch capability and given the politico-strategic realities, ISRO will have to remain content with providing services for the small research satellites.

These satellites are usually of a kind not attracting US export controls and, even where they do, like in the case of the US experimental probe aboard the Indian lunar mission spacecraft Chandrayaan-1, the State Department has given the necessary clearances.

However, revenue from launching such satellites will be small and ISRO's bid to enter the big commercial launch market is unlikely to be realised in the short-term. In the light of this, ISRO would do well to exploit its other major strengths, namely its world-class remote sensing technology - which has once again been demonstrated by the present launch - and satellite building.

ISRO should aggressively market its remote sensing products and bid for global contracts to fabricate satellites.