On Monday, the Union cabinet has approved for the phase-4 GSLV program, which consist of five rocket flights during 2021-24.
In the fourth phase, ISRO can go ahead to launch two-tonne class of satellites for geo-imaging, navigation data relay communication and space sciences, according to an official press statement.
The total fund required for phase four had been pegged at Rs 2,729.13 cr and that includes the cost of five Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles (GSLVs), essential facility augmentation, programme management and launch campaign, along with the additional funds required for the meeting the scope of the ongoing space programme.
According to the press release, the GSLV continuation programme will meet the launch requirement of satellites for providing critical satellite navigation services, data relay communication for supporting the Indian human spaceflight programme and the next interplanetary mission to Mars.
The GSLV continuation programme will meet the launch requirement of satellites for providing critical satellite navigation services, data relay communication for supporting the Indian human spaceflight programme and the next interplanetary mission to Mars.
“It will also ensure the continuity of production in Indian industry”, the statement said.
It also claims that the continuation programme will also meet the demand for the launch of satellites at a frequency up to two launches per year, with maximal participation by the Indian industry. All the operational flights would be completed during the period 2021-24.
In fact, the GSLV continuation programme was sanctioned way back in 2003, and two phases have already been completed and the third phase is in progress and expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2020-21.
The cabinet had also given ex-post facto approval to the memorandum of understanding between India and Bolivia on cooperation in the field of geology and mineral resources. The MoU was signed in Bolivia in March, 2019.
The cabinet, in another decision, granted its ex post facto approval to another MoU between the two countries in the field of traditional systems of medicine and homoeopathy. The MoU too was signed in Bolivia in March, 2019.
Meanwhile, the cabinet had also apprised of MoU that signed in May, 2018 between India and Brazil, which signed to strengthen the ties between India and Brazil. It was to work out the future agenda for the collaboration for innovation in science and technology diplomacy to evolve a concrete strategic plan in the area of biotechnology education, training and research.