(a) whether Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has formulated any plan for launching GSLV series in the year 2003 and 2004;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government have signed any contract with Russia for purchase of cryogenic engines;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the number of engines already procured by ISRO under this agreement and the number of the same to be procured by 2004?
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) Yes, Sir. After the successful flight of GSLV-D1 in April 2001, it is planned to launch GSLV every year. In the years 2003-2004 and 2004-2005, it is being planned to launch INSAT-3D, GSAT-3, Metsat-2 and GSAT-4 by GSLV.
(c) Yes, Sir.
(d) A contract with the then USSR was initially signed in 1991 and later modified in 1993 for the development and supply of 7 cryogenic stages.
(e) So far, four cryogenic stages have been received in India. The remaining stages are expected by 2003-2004.