Ambitious leap for success of #Gaganyaan! Cabinet confirms ISRO’s ITLU in Moscow
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New Delhi, Aug 1: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the setting up of ISRO Technical Liaison Unit (ITLU) at Moscow, Russia.
The average annual expenditure of about Rs. 1.50 crore per annum is anticipated to be incurred at ITLU in Moscow towards salary, office expenses, rent, taxes, etc.
The ISRO Technical Liaison Unit (ITLU) at Moscow will enable effective technical coordination for timely interventions on diversified matters with Russia and neighboring countries for the realization of the programmatic targets of ISRO.
The Liaison Officer, deputed at ITLU from ISRO provides technical information about the developments in research and technology and inputs arising from their meetings with researchers, government agencies and industries in the respective countries. They also support the ongoing bilateral programs of cooperation in space technology and act on behalf of ISRO on the matters referred.
ISRO will be able to collaborate with Space agencies/industries in Russia and neighboring countries for mutually synergetic outcomes.
ISRO’s Gaganyaan program requires the development of some of the key technologies and establishment of specialized facilities, which are essential to support life in space. Keeping in view the 15th August 2022 timeline for the realization of the Gaganyaan human space program, it is prudent to avail technical cooperation from International space agencies, who have already demonstrated their technical capabilities in specific areas. Russia, being one of the space-faring nations, it is envisaged to collaborate with Russia extensively in various fields of relevance.
The ITLU Moscow office would be managed by an ISRO Scientist/Engineer designated as “Counsellor (Space)” on deputation, deputed from ISRO and supported by staff locally sourced. The process is planned to be completed within six months from the date of approval.
The major impact of this Liaison Officers provides technical information about the developments in research and technology and inputs arising from their meetings with researchers, government agencies and industries in the respective countries. They also support the ongoing bilateral programs of cooperation in space technology and act on behalf of ISRO on the matters referred.
Department of Space has instituted technical Liaison Units, namely ISRO Technical Liaison Units (ITLU) at Washington, USA, and Paris, France with the prime objective to liaise with various Government and space agencies in USA and Europe, respectively. Space cooperation has been one of the major links between India and Russia almost from the beginning of the space era and currently, both sides are actively pursuing interactions in diversified areas of the space program.
Apart from intensifying cooperation with Russia, India has expanded its space cooperation with countries near Russia. This calls for extensive uninterrupted coordination & interface support for an increased level of international technical collaboration.