Asia- The Economic Squeeze


THERE are two important criteria by which satellite launches can be measur- ed. One is the capability of the satellite itself and the other the power of the launch vehicle. Unmanned US and Russian satellites which have set the trend for most satellite development have been used for military re- connaissance, resource-surveying by aerial photography, communication, meteorology and scientific experiments. These satellites, launched either singly or in multiples, have used liquid and solid fuelled launch vehicles which themselves are good indicators of a country's capability to develop long range missiles. The Chinese, for example, have limited their space effort (their first satellite was more in the nature of an orbiting emblem than a useful tool) but have carried out extensive missile tests both inland and over the Indian ocean.