NEW DELHI, (PTI): The Indo Russian rocket deal is “very much on” and the work on joint development of the cryogenic engine is proceeding on schedule, according to space commission chairman U.R. Rao,
Denying reports the contract is in surprise. He told reporters June 24, that a payment of Rs.230 million was paid to the Russian Glavkosmos space agency as recently as January 1992.
Joint designs have been made and the engine delivery is slated for 1995,” he said.
He said two of the rocket engines will be built in Russia and Indian space research organization (ISRO) will build from the third engine onward.
Rao said special test facilities for the cryogenic engine will be set up by ISRO from the Rs.7500 million approved for the geostationary launch vehicle project,
Referring to the United States ban on export of components, Rao said ISRO is trying to acquire some of the vital components for satellites from alternative sources.
In addition, ISRO is trying to develop indigenously the items that were hitherto imported from the U.S. He said the INSAT-2B satellite is almost ready and its flight, scheduled for next year, will not be delayed.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 3, 1992
