Centre open to public-private partnership to strengthen space industry: ISRO chief
India Today
Isro chief S Somanath on Saturday said that the Centre is open to public-private partnership to strengthen the space industry.
The government has come up with a policy to encourage participation of private companies in space technology as part of reforms in the field, Isro chief S Somanath said on Saturday.
The government would consult with industries and startups to strengthen the space eco systems under public- private partnership in infrastructure, remote-sensing and development of new technology, Somanath told reporters on the sidelines of the 26th convocation of Karunya University.
With regard to investment, he said it would be 100 per cent for Indian companies and 70 per cent through FDI with the approval of the Centre.
To a question about the launch of the small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV), Somanath said it would happen by this month-end or at the beginning of August.
Asked about starting a launchpad at Kulasekharapatnam in Tamil Nadu, he said the state government has allotted 2,000 acres of land and, after developing the required infrastructure, it may be ready in another two years.
On the much awaited Gaganyaan programme, Somanath said the tests and trials were on for the project. "We cannot just send a human to space but should also ensure the human comes back," he said.
To another question on the utility of 'agniveers' in Isro, Somnath said it has already announced that there were employment opportunities for them.
