(a) the progress made by India in space research during the last
three years;
(b) whether India is in a position to build its own satellite
indigenously for space research; and
(c) if so, the details of such projects and the benefits
accrued/likely to accrue as a result thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG & PENSIONS
AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY):
(a) During the last three years India has made
significant progress towards space research related activities
viz. development of Satellites, Launch vehicles and space
technology based applications. The highlights are as given below:
# Launch of OCEANSAT-2 by PSLV-C14 and operationalilsation
of satellite for ocean state forecast and potential fishing zone monitoring.
# Launch of CARTOSAT-2B by PSLV-C15 and operationalisation
for high resolution imaging with capability of better than 1m resolution
for cartographic application.
# Launch of RESOURCESAT-2 by PSLV-C16 and operationalisation
for land and water resource management applications.
# Establishment of GPS Aided and Geo Augmented Navigation
(GAGAN) system for providing positional services for civil aviation and
realisation of GAGAN payload on-board GSAT-8.
# Launch of GSAT-8 satellite through procured launch and
GSAT-12 satellite by PSLV-C17 and operationalisation for augmenting the
satellite communication infrastructure in the country.
# Launch of MEGHA-TROPIQUES satellite by PSLV-C18 for climate
and weather monitoring.
# Development of Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT-1) for all
weather imaging capability.
# Successful ground testing of Indigenous Cryogenic engine
and realization of flight unit of Indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage for the
GSLV launch vehicle programme.
# Development and successful testing of S200 solid strap-on
motor and L110 liquid core stage for the advanced heavy lift launcher
GSLV-MkIII.
# Host of space based applications for natural resource
management, infrastructure planning, communication and societal applications
including education, health, rural development etc.
(b) Yes, Sir. India has established the indigenous capability to
build its own satellites for communication (INSAT / GSAT), Navigation,
earth Observation (IRS) and Space Science research purposes.
(c) India has established two operational space systems INSAT/
GSAT for communication and IRS for earth observation purposes. Presently,
there are 20 operational satellites in space which are meeting the developmental
needs of the country in the areas of natural resource management, infrastructure
planning, communication and societal applications including education, health
and rural development.