Indigenous cryogenic engine test next month: Madhavan Nair

Chennai, Feb 13 (UNI) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman G Madhavan Nair today said they would conduct another 720-seconds full test firing of the indigenous cryogenic engine at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre at Mahendragiri near Nagercoil next month.

Talking to newspersons, after participating in the release of the book ''The Economics of Indian Space Research Programme'' authored by Prof U Sankar, at the Madras School of Economics here, he said ''the exact date for a full test fire of the cryogenic engine is not yet finalised. But I can say that it would be tested in a months time at Mahendragiri.'' He said the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) would place 'Anusat', the Anna University's micro satellite into orbit during its launch in September. The ISRO had sought more allocation from the Union Planning Commission in the 11th Five Year Plan, he said adding ''We are discussing the allocation. It would not be appropriate to say about it right now.'' Earlier, interacting with the students and the faculties, Dr Nair said India's space programme was not costing much, when compared to other countries.

''We are spending only one-fifth compared to the money, the developed nations are spending on space programme. For example, we have saved US dollar 700 million in the cryogenic engine programme, as we were able to produce a rocket indigenously.'' Dr C Rangarajan, Chairman, Economics Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, said the space applications had numerous applications, like finding the land use pattern of a particular place in the country.

Former ISRO Chairman And Rajya Sabha member Kasturirangan also spoke on the occasion.

UNI