Isro to set up technical liaison unit in Moscow

Keeping in view the 15 August, 2022 timeline for realisation of the Gaganyaan human space programme, it is prudent to avail technical cooperation from space faring nations like Russia.

The union cabinet today approved the setting up of an Isro Technical Liaison Unit (ITLU) at Moscow, which would involve an average annual expenditure of about Rs1.50 crore, mostly towards salary, office expenses, rent, taxes etc.

The Isro Technical Liaison Unit at Moscow will enable effective technical coordination for timely interventions on diversified matters with Russia and neighbouring countries for realisation of the programmatic targets of Isro. 

The liaison officer, deputed at ITLU from Isro will 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 programmes of cooperation in space technology and act on behalf of ISRO on the matters referred.

Isro will be able to collaborate with space agencies/industries in Russia and neighbouring countries for mutually synergetic outcomes.

Isro’s Gaganyaan programme requires development of some of the key technologies and establishment of specialised facilities, which are essential to support life in space.

Keeping in view the 15 August, 2022 timeline for realisation of the Gaganyaan human space programme, it is prudent to avail technical cooperation from International space agencies that 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, says a release by the Department of Space.

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.

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 programmes of cooperation in space technology and act on behalf of Isro on the matters referred.

Department of Space has already 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 US 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 space programme. Apart from intensifying cooperation with Russia, India has expanded its space cooperation with countries near to Russia. This calls for extensive uninterrupted coordination and interface support for increased level international technical collaboration.