Cabinet approves ISRO Technical Liaison Unit at Moscow and MoU between ISRO and the Bolivian Space Agency

Cabinet approves ISRO Technical Liaison Unit at Moscow

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the setting up of ISRO Technical Liaison Unit (ITLU) in Moscow, Russia.

Financial Implications: 

The average annual expenditure of about Rs. 1.50 crore per annum is anticipated to be incurred at ITLU in Moscow, Russia towards salary, office expenses, rent, taxes, etc.

Details:

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.

Benefits:

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 the 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.

Implementation Strategy:

The ITLU Moscow office would be managed by an ISRO Scientist/Engineer designated as “Counsellor (Space)” on deputation, deputed from ISRO and supported by a staff locally sourced. The process is planned to be completed within six months from the date of approval.

Impact:

The Liaison Officers provide 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.

Background:

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 the 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.

MoU between ISRO and the Bolivian Space Agency

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Bolivia on Cooperation in the Exploration and Uses of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes".

The MoU was signed between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Bolivian Space Agency on March 29,2019, at Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia during the visit of President of India to Bolivia.

Details:

This MoU shall enable the following potential interest areas of cooperation such as space science, technology, and applications including remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication and satellite-based navigation; Space science and planetary exploration; use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system; and application of space technology.

This MoU would lead to set up a Joint Working Group, drawing members from ISRO and the Bolivian Space Agency (ABE), which will further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing this MoU.

Implementation Strategy and Targets:

The signed MoU would lead to concluding specific implementing Arrangements and setting up of Joint Working Group, to work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing this MoU.

Major Impact:

The signed MoU will provide impetus to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication; satellite navigation; space science and planetary exploration.

Expenditure involved:

The financial contribution concerning each specific activity would depend on the nature of Joint activity and will be detailed in corresponding Implementing Agreements (Arrangements) / Contracts.

Benefits:

This MoU would lead to developing a joint activity in the field of application of space technologies for the benefit of humanity.  Thus all sections and regions of the country will get benefited.

Background:

Bolivian Space Agency (ABE), in a letter to Indian Ambassador to Bolivia in December 2016, expressed interest to establish space cooperation with ISRO. As a follow-up, ISRO hosted a 02-member delegation on June 05-06, 2017 and discussed potential cooperation in Earth Observation and Satellite Communication. ABE delegation has also visited ISRO's Technical facilities at Bengaluru. Bolivian side expressed strong interest to pursue space cooperation with India and the Indian Ambassador to Bolivia has requested ISRO to send a standard draft on space cooperation, that could be shared with Bolivian side.

Considering the importance of this request, Agency-level draft MoU for India-Bolivia space cooperation was shared with the Bolivian side, with the approval of Chairman, ISRO/ Secretary, DOS. Subsequently, the Bolivian side has given its concurrence and both sides have arrived at a mutually agreed version for signing.