India and Russia pursue joint programmes are 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.
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.
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.
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.
The Minister of State in the ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions and in the Prime Minister’s Office Shri V. Narayanasamy Gave this information in reply to a written question in the lok Sabha today.
Tags: India
Russia
Isro
Federal Space Agency Of Russia
