Space co-operation agreement between India and Russia

Space co-operation agreement between India and Russia 

India and Russia pursue joint programmes in a few areas of space research. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on expansion of cooperation in the field of the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes. There is no transfer of space technology envisaged under this MoU. 


This new MoU provides scope for developing joint activities in areas of mutual interest, including satellite navigation; launch vehicle development; critical technologies for human spaceflight programme; remote sensing of Earth; space science and planetary exploration; and use of ground space infrastructure. Specific cooperation proposals for further processing are also included in the MoU. Joint projects; sharing of expertise and resources; development of space systems and components; exchange of scientists; training and scientific and technical meetings are listed out as the forms of cooperation on the above areas. Further, provisions are included in the MoU to conclude separate agreements for specific areas of cooperation detailing objectives, procedures and financial aspects. 

The MoU was signed by ISRO on May 25, 2015 and by ROSCOSMOS on June 22, 2015. 

Expansion of space cooperation between India and Russia through this MoU is likely to benefit ISRO in further consolidation and augmentation of its space programme in various domains including space exploration. 

This information was given by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in reply to unstarred question in Rajya Sabha today. 

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Total cost of launching the SAARC satellite is estimated to be about Rs 235 crore 

The proposed satellite enables full range of applications and services to our neighbors in the areas of telecommunication and broadcasting applications 

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to provide space based systems for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation member nations. It is proposed to build a satellite for SAARC region with 12 Ku-band transponders and launch using Indian Geostationary Launch Vehicle GSLV Mk-II. 

A one-day conference on “Satellite for SAARC Region and Space Technology Applications” was organized by India in New Delhi on June 22, 2015 to appraise and discuss the proposal. Delegations from all the SAARC member nations have participated in the conference. The response of all the SAARC nations to the proposal has been encouraging. Pakistan while welcoming the initiative raised some queries on technical and operational aspects. Pakistan desired further discussions before giving its consent. 

The total cost of launching the satellite is estimated to be about Rs 235 crore. The cost associated with the launch will be met by Government of India. 

The proposed satellite enables full range of applications and services to our neighbors in the areas of telecommunication and broadcasting applications viz. Television, Direct-to-Home (DTH), Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs), Tele-education, Telemedicine and Disaster Management Support. 

This information was given by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in reply to unstarred question in Rajya Sabha today. 

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