(a) whether the ISRO plans to send an Indian into space around 2014 and to place an Indian on the Moon around 2020 without any foreign assistance;
(b) if so, the details of the plans chalked out for the purpose; and
(c) the details of expenditure likely to be incurred in these missions?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER`S OFFICE (SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN):
(a)&(b) ISRO has carried out detailed studies on feasibility of undertaking indigenous manned space missions. These studies include the development of an autonomous Orbital Vehicle, life support systems, improved reliability and safety systems, crew escape system, etc. The study was presented at a peer- review meeting, which concluded that it is possible to undertake a manned mission to low earth orbit in eight years time frame from the date of approval. Manned mission to moon could be the next step.
(c) The assessment of expenditure for the Manned Space Mission is about Rs.10,000 crores spread over a period of 8 to 10 years.