(a) whether India and Russia propose to make joint space
exploration and transfer of technology under the Indo-Russian
Space Cooperation Agreement;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the salient features
of this Agreement;
(c) the progress made so far in this regard; and
(d) the extent to which India is likely to be benefited
from this Agreement?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY PERSONNEL,PG & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE(SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY):
(a)&(b) As a part of Indo- Russia co-operation in the
field of space, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and
Federal Space Agency of Russia (ROSCOSMOS) have entered into a
co-operative agreement in November 2007, for carrying out joint unmanned
exploration of the moon. This programme is called Chandrayaan-2 and it
will have the moon orbiter, lander and rover module.As per the agreement,
India will be responsible for developing a moon orbiter and rover module,
whereas Russia will be responsible for developing a moon lander module.
Chandrayaan-2 will be launched using ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite
Launch Vehicle. There is no transfer of technology envisaged under
this agreement.
(c) For the Chandrayaan-2 programme, several rounds of discussions
and exchange of technical data have taken place between the Indian
and Russian sides primarily to finalise on the various interfaces
and mission related operations. The preliminary design review is
presently in progress.
(d) As this is the first time India will be undertaking a moon
lander-rover mission, it is likely to provide great benefit and insight
into the development of moon lander configuration and its operations,
in addition to generating tremendous amount of data for the scientific
community. The mission will also enthuse the younger generation in taking
up science as their future career.