Lok Sabha Question No. 3482 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-03-17
Subject: Private Startups
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Dushyant Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3482

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2021 PRIVATE STARTUPS

3482.  SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  ISRO  is  collaborating  with  Private  Startups  for  its Human Space Programme and if so, the details of the companies that have shown interest in collaborating with ISRO;
- (b) whether ISRO is providing any financial and technical help for these  Startups and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not,  the reasons therefor;
- (c) the  programmes  under  the  Human  Space  Initiative  and  the details  of  the  programmes  in  which  these  companies  are allowed to participate;
- (d) the current status of Human Space Programme Gaganyaan and its details thereof;
- (e) whether  the  Government  can  achieve  the  proposed  target  of sending man to Space by 75 th  Independence day and if so, the details thereof and if not the reasons therefor; and
- (f) whether ISRO has begun preliminary work to send man to the moon, if so, the details thereof and if not reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG &

## PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

- (a) No Sir, ISRO is not collaborating with Private start-ups for its Human Space programme as of now.
- (b) & (c)

Do not arise.

- (d)    The current status of Gaganyaan programme is as follows:
- i. The preliminary design of Gaganyaan system is completed. Vikas  engine  (L110)  qualification  tests  and cryogenic engine (C25) qualification tests commenced. Solid booster (S200), Crew escape system and parachute tests planned in 2021. Hardware realization is in advanced  stage  for  ground  test  and  first  unmanned mission.
- ii. A National level Gaganyaan Advisory Council (GAC) with representatives from all stake holders has been constituted for planning and coordination.
- iii. Interagency  certification  board  constituted  for  Human Rating certification of Gaganyaan mission.
- collaboration, Memorandum  of  Understanding  (MoU)  and  contracts laboratories, Academic institutions, M/S JSC Glavkosmos, Russia, NRC
- iv. As  part of national and  international signed with Indian Air force, DRDO Canada, and INCAS Romania.
- v. Crew screening and selection completed, Generic space flight training in Russia in progress. Indian leg of training will commence from May/June 2021.
- vi. Indian  Navy  is  identified  as  lead  agency  for  overall recovery operations.
- (e) Due to COVID pandemic and subsequent budgetary guidelines, programmatic milestones of Gaganyaan Programme are reassessed and are as follows;

First unmanned flight    :  December 2021

Second unmanned flight :  : 2022-23

Manned flight                 :    After  successful  completion  of  the above two flights

ISRO is making all efforts to make up the schedule delays due to COVID.

- (f) No Sir, ISRO has not begun preliminary work to send man to the moon. The scope of current approved Gaganyaan programme is to demonstrate human spaceflight capability to LEO and safe return of crew.

*****