W2M satellite, weighing 3,463 kg at lift-off, is the heaviest satellite built by ISRO and is capable of operating for over 15 years. The satellite's solar panels generate a maximum of about 7000 Watts of power.

Sridhara Murthy said Antrix and EADS/Astrium are now pursuing three-four satellite-building proposals, similar to their W2M venture. "Discussions are at a reasonably good stage," he said.

"We (Antrix and EADS/Astrium) are looking at various opportunities where people are trying to procure satellites (to be built) in the two to three tonne category which is our capability", he said.

Sridhara Murthy said in a technologically evolving scenario, ISRO's effort is to make its satellites more power and weight efficient; and pack more payloads without increasing the weight of the satellite.

He noted that while ISRO typically looked at solar panels of its satellites generating a maximum of five kilo watts or six kilo watts of power, in W2M it exceeded seven kilo watts.

Once GSLV-Mk III rocket is operational, ISRO's ability to address launch services market enhances considerably, Sridhara Murthy said.

ISRO officials said GSLV-Mk III is envisaged to launch four tonne satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbit. Its first development flight is expected in 2009-10.

Antrix posted sales of Rs 940 crore in 2007-08 and it is targeting Rs 900 crore to Rs 1,000 crore in the current financial year, he said adding it is unrealistic to aim too high a growth as there is a lot of gloom in the market.