(a) whether both India and Russia are contemplating to undertake joint space research
and transfer of space technology under space cooperation agreement;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the salient features of this agreement;
(c) the details of the progress made so far under the agreement; and
(d) the details of benefits India will get from the said agreement?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
(SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY):
(a) India and Russia pursue joint programmes in a few areas of space research. Currently, the
cooperation is pursued on realisation of Chandrayaan-2 satellite for joint moon exploration.
There is no transfer of space technology envisaged under this agreement.
(b) 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 moon exploration.
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 the moon lander module. Chandrayaan-2 will be launched using
ISRO’s Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle.
(c) For the Chandrayaan-2 programme, several rounds of discussions and exchange of technical data
have taken place between Indian and Russian sides primarily to finalise on the various interfaces and
mission related operations.
In May 2012, ROSCOSMOS has indicated a major programmatic change in Joint Moon Exploration. Currently
the discussions are underway between ISRO and ROSCOSMOS on the way forward.
(d) As this is the first time India will be undertaking a moon lander-rover mission, it is likely
to provide insight into the development of moon lander 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 space science as their future career.