Chennai: After starting the work on the moon mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is contemplating a manned mission to the space.

A meeting of several scientists to discuss the issue related to Indian manned space mission was organised by ISRO at its headquarters in Bangalore on 7th November, 2006.

The concept for the manned space mission include the development of an autonomous orbital vehicle which could be launched by India's geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV) Mk II, or GSLV-Mk III.

Dr B N Suresh, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) presented to the gathering of scientists, the studies carried out by ISRO in the last four years to examine the technological challenges of a manned space mission and the Indian capability to undertake such a mission. And deputy director, Madan Lal made a detailed presentation on the various aspects of the mission.

According to the study, ISRO has maturity in many of the technologies required for manned space missions. However, new developments are required in life support systems, improved reliability and safety, crew escape system and others.

While some of the facilities required are available in the country and could be used with augmentation, a few have to be established afresh.

The scientists present at the meeting were of the view that the time is right for India to undertake a manned mission.

Among those who attended the meeting today were Prof U R Rao, Prof Yash Pal, Prof R Narasimha, Dr R M Vasagam, N Pant, Dr P S Goel, Wg Cmdr Rakesh Sharma, Dr N Balakrishnan, Dr A R Upadhya, Dr T S Prahlad, Dr S Vasantha, Prof G N V Rao, Prof V Radhakrishnan, A K Saxena, K V S S Prasad, Avinash Chander, AVM D C Kumaria, Lt Gen Vijan, Dr Pankaj Tyagi besides G Madhavan Nair, chairman, ISRO, directors and senior scientists of ISRO Centres.

At Rs10,000 crore, (preliminary project cost over 8 years) the mission perhaps would cost the moon!