Indian in space likely by 2014: Govt

New Delhi, Nov 30 (UNI) The government today said the ISRO had carried out detailed studies on feasibility of undertaking indigenous manned space missions and it could take a period of 8 to 10 years.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Prithviraj Chavan said the assessment of expenditure for the manned space mission to low earth orbit is about Rs 10,000 crore spread over a period of 8 to 10 years.

''Manned mission to moon could be the next step,'' he added.

Mr Chavan said the studies carried out by the Indian Skpace esearch Organisation (ISRO) were presented at a peer review meeting, which concluded that it was possible to undertake a manned mission to low earth orbit in about eight years from the date of approval.

There were suggestions on several points related to technical aspects, including reliability and safety requirement for manned missions, he said, adding that these suggestions were taken up by the ISRO for a further detailed assessment.

Referring to the detailed studies undertaken by ISRO, he said these covered the requirements of an autonomous orbital vehicle, life support systems, improved reliability and safety systems and crew escape systems.

Replying to another query, he said the scientific fraternity had recently made certain suggestions on how to improve the safety and reliability of the space capsule which would take the Indians in space.

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