(a) whether Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) placed an order for one set of
GSLV strap-on attachment systems in January 1996 which was required for use in
GSLV scheduled to be launched in December, 1995 ;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c ) the time of receipt of the system by VSSC, the source, the cost and the reasons for
non-utilisation of in-house facility and placing an order to an external agency?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF
SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES & AGRO AND RURAL INDUSTRIES, MINISTER
OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING,
DEPARTMENT OF PENSIONS AND PENSIONERS` WELFARE OF THE
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS,
DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY AND DEPARTMENT OF SPACE (SMT. VASUNDHARA RAJE):
(a)&(b) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) placed an order for one set of GSLV strap-
on attachment system in January 1996, which was required for use in the first
GSLV, rescheduled to be launched during 1997-98. This GSLV launch took place
finally in April 2001.
(c) The order was placed on M/s KELTEC, a Kerala Government Undertaking, at a
cost of Rs. 13.7 lakhs. The supply of the system consisting of more than 600 items,
started from July, 1997 and was completed in November 1998. It was decided to
place the order on an external agency, taking into account the workload in the
internal facilities and also the large number of strap-on attachment systems required
for the GSlV vehicles.