Economic And Cultural Benefits Of space System
- Paper number
IAC-07-E3.3.02
- Author
Mr. B.V. Kanade, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India
- Coauthor
Mr. R.G. Gade, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Historically, Late Dr. Vikram Sarabhai conceived the idea of combining terrestrial microwave relay transmitters with communication satellites to bring television to the vast areas of rural India, which were otherwise inaccessible. For trial experiments in 1975, the ATS-6 Satellite was moved to 35 Deg E Longitude under SITE (Satellite Instructional Television Experiment) Programme connecting 2400 villages in Six states. TV as a powerful medium to reach across to the rural mass, was thus demonstrated. INSAT-1B in 1983 then became the means for a major expansion of television across India through Satellite fed Low Power Transmitters (LPT). Doordarshan was able to introduce a National Network (DD1) for the first time. Two years later, a second channel (DD2) was launched in Metro cities. Even Before the International satellite invasion hit India, over 90 percent of the country was covered by satellite fed terrestrial signals. INSAT has been a major catalyst for the expansion of television coverage in India. Satellite television covers over 65 percent of the Indian land mass and over 90 percent of the population. At present more than 40 Doordarshan channels and an equal number of channels by private TV operators are operational through the C band transponders of INSAT-3A, INSAT-3C, INSAT-2E and INSAT-4A. The choice of satellite and the availability of transponders were increasing throughout 1990s. With rapid development of digital technology and digitization costs falling, Direct to home (DTH) satellite television became a reality in the country by 2004, with more than 200 TV channels by Doordarshan and private TV operators being beamed in the Ku band. The rapid spread of satellite TV has given a vast choice of viewing available to audiences, even in relatively small towns and economically underdeveloped parts of the country. This unprecedented boom provoked a lively debate about the implications for the culture of the country. Satellite TV respects no borders. Satellite TV has created greater openness about issues like human rights, women’s rights, career prospects and has allowed people to freely express their opinion. Apart from creating great ethical and cultural ripples, Satellite TV serials are stimulating a growing interest in personal appearance and beautification. Major impact of satellite TV has been on middle class women in terms of day-to-day behaviour, dressing and language. It further has a great impact on young minds, in use of language, dress and behaviour. It has ignited a passion for cricket. Everyone acknowledges that due to satellite TV, his or her access to information and entertainment has improved. Young people welcome new access to International news and international sports coverage. There is appreciation for the professionalism of many satellite productions, better quality documentaries and wild life programmes. On the negative side, there are concerns about ruthless commercialism of the entertainment channels. New fashions encouraged by satellite TV have provoked some criticism from traditionalists. Considering the above aspects, the proposed paper shall discuss in detail the space assets of India, number of transponders and the coverage footprints, allocation of transponders for TV broadcasting –DD and private channels-, societal application (Telemedicine, Tele-education) and the impact of television on the society in terms of behaviour patterns and cultural impacts.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E3.3.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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