India has developed two launch systems -- the PSLV capable of putting satellites of up to 1.6 tonnes in orbit and the GSLV that can launch payloads weighing between two tonnes and three tonnes.

"Now that the technical qualifications of these vehicles is established, we are looking for commercial customers to fly on these vehicles," Arianespace chief executive officer Jean-Yves Le Gall told reporters in this Indian city.

He said the two launchers had established a successful technical record and proven their qualifications, making possible "real marketing cooperation" between the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Paris-based rocket operator.

Arianespace had been waiting for the PSLV, or the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, and the GSLV, or the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, to establish their credentials before promoting them to customers seeking to put small payloads in orbit, under a cooperation agreement with India.

Arianespace has launched 13 satellites for India in the past 25 years, including the INSAT-4B by the Ariane-5 rocket from French Guiana in March.

The European launch services provider is also due to hurl into space India's INSAT-4G satellite either in late 2008 or in early 2009, Le Gall said.

Arianespace expects to finish 2008 with six launches, a record, and plans to increase the number to seven or eight next year, he said. The company's order backlog is 29 launches, the most for any space company, Le Gall said.

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