Indian base on moon a logical extension of Chandrayaan-1: Official

Bangalore, Oct 25 (UNI) India setting up a base on the lunar surface will be a logical extension of the Chandrayaan-1 and it can happen, Mr M Anna Dorai, Project Director of the country's first Lunar Mission today said.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function where the Karnataka government today honoured the top ISRO scientists for the successful launch of Chandrayaan-1, at the Indian Deep Space Network (DSN) about 35 km from the city, he said ISRO had enabled the technology to reach the moon to start with.

"The other activities will follow. After filling our stomach (reaching the moon) we are now looking to do something better. After Chandrayaan-2 which will have a lander and rover, planetary missions would take place," he said.

When asked the same question ISRO Chairman Madhavan Nair said, "Well, it is a dream. Someday it can come true." Mr Dorai said India was part of International Lunar Network which was already in operation. "I am a member of this network. The countries move together to share the technology and the finance in carrying out new lunar missions. We are planning big things. There would be a common space station in the space in a few years from now," he added.

He said said Chandrayaan-1 formed part of the second vision of ISRO, after it achieved its first by mastering communication satellite technology. "From Chandrayaan-1 mission we will be able to see what is there in the outer space. Then our intention is to exploit the outer space whatever is within our reach. We are ready to take up more critical missions," he added.

He said inter planetary exploration was another dimension but the country had the ability to achieve it.

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