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Arianespace looks to continuing its leadership in 2002
Even as the satellite launch sector saw a global recession in 2001, Arianespace took credit for maintaining a strong lead in the commercial space transportation segment.
While the year saw a 30 per cent reduction in the number of satellite launches, with 58 successful launches as against 82 in 2000, Arianespace managed to win 13 launch service contracts out of a total 25 signed worldwide during the year. The company performed eight launches that carried 11 of the 16 geostationary satellites that competed for a commercial launch in 2001.
Although the Ariane 5 launch on 12 July 2001 left the payload, Artemis and BSat 2b, in useless orbits, Artemis is expected to be able to reach geostationary orbit on its own while BSat 2b was declared a total loss.
The company is however upbeat, claiming that it ended 2001 on a strong note, signing contracts to launch satellites for Orbital Sciences Corp of the US and the European operator Eutelsat. Orbital Sciences Corp’s order is for the launch of BSAT-2C on behalf of the Japanese operator B-SAT. B-SAT2C is a follow-on to B-SAT2A successfully lofted by Arianespace in March 2001, and the new 1,300-kg. spacecraft will feature 4 Ku-band transponders.
As of 7 January, Arianespace’s backlog stands at 51 payloads to be launched, including nine ATV missions for the International Space Station. The year just concluded saw Arianespace make progress on the technical and industrial fronts, claims the company. The new S5 payload process complex was inaugurated at the Ariane launch site in Kourou, French Guiana, providing Arianespace with the most modern facility of its kind in the world. This massive satellite checkout and processing centre is sized to handle spacecraft for up to four launch campaigns simultaneously.
The upgradation of the Ariane 5 launch facilities will boost Ariane 5’s payload capacity to 10 metric tons on missions to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).
The service entry of the ESC-A cryogenic upper stage is also
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
