The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Waiver, a testimony to Indian scientific talent: ISRO chief

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Monday, Sep 08, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Waiver, a testimony to Indian scientific talent: ISRO chief

K. Manikandan

TAMBARAM: The waiver of sanctions imposed on India by the Nuclear Suppliers Group on Saturday served as a testimony to India’s scientific talent, according to G. Madhavan Nair, Secretary, Department of Space, and Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation.

Speaking to reporters at SRM University, where he was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Science at its fourth convocation, Mr. Nair said: “As far as the scientific community and the political leadership are concerned, this is a very major achievement. We were able to really establish ourselves as a technological power. The waiver is a good sign.”

Dialogue with NASA

Asked whether India would work along with researchers of other countries, especially the United States, on the International Space Station, Mr. Nair replied in the negative. “As of now, we have no plans to work on the International Space Station. But we will have to wait and see after the 123 Agreement comes in effect. The waiver has opened new doors for international cooperation in space science. We would like to have a dialogue with NASA and others to see how good a relationship we can build on such areas.”

As for India’s mission to the moon, Chandrayan 1, Mr. Nair said the project was progressing well, and that the thermo vacuum test was likely to be completed by the middle of this week. The spacecraft was in good health, but all depended on the weather, he said, pointing to the fact that the monsoon this year was unpredictable.

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