Aberrations in space programmes being dealt with: Manmohan Singh

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said there had been some "aberrations" and "setbacks" in the space programme in the recent past, which were being dealt with.

Addressing a gathering of scientists of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) here, he said "there have been some aberrations and setbacks in the space programme in the recent past. These are being dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures".

The remarks by the prime minister assume significance in the background of the central government scrapping the S-Band spectrum deal between ISRO's commercial arm Antrix Corporation and private firm Devas Multimedia.

Singh, however, asked the ISRO scientists to work with renewed dedication to "meet expectations of the space programme."

"It is however important that you work with renewed dedication, sincerity and zeal to fulfil the high expectations we have from our space programme," he said.

"I would encourage the central directors and other heads of departments to nurture and groom young talent, inculcate the qualities of leadership, and promote team work," he said.

Singh also emphasised the need for paying greater attention to the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Programme(GSLVP).

"We should pay greater attention to the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Programme. As our economy expands, there will be growing pressures on our resources, whether it is land, water or minerals," he said.

The prime minister asked scientists to expedite the development of heavy lift launchers, advanced propulsion systems, including the cryogenic stage, and recoverable and reusable launch systems.

"Space-based applications are a very potent means of bridging the divides in our society. It is, therefore, necessary that we work towards reducing the cost of access to space," he said.

"We will do all that is necessary to promote scientific discoveries, and for ISRO to remain at the cutting edge of technology. You will have the government's support in your quest to better understand the solar system and universe, and in the continuing discovery of space," the prime minister said.

"We have proved all those wrong who claimed that a space programme is a luxury that developing nations cannot afford. Our space programme has, in fact, helped us leapfrog in technology and bring significant social economic and industrial transformation to remote areas," Singh said.

The PM spent almost an hour at ISRO, Ahmedabad, where the media was denied entry.

"The Indian National Satellite System is one of the largest constellations of communication satellites in the Asia Pacific region," he said.

"The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle has had sixteen successful flights and put forty four satellites in orbit, twenty five of which belong to foreign parties," Singh told the gathering.

India has emerged as a world leader in building versatile satellites, such as the recently launched OCEANSAT-2, he said.

"ISRO, Ahmedabad, for the first time in the country has demonstrated how space technology could be used for educational benefits to reach right to the village level. The Satellite Instructional Television Experiment, which was the brainchild of this Centre, has demonstrated how space technology could be used for broadcasting, and for reaching the benefits of education to the village level," the prime minister said.

He said "I am glad that ISRO is aiming to achieve self-reliance in the area of navigation through the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System."

"This will enable secure transport and better air traffic management and search and rescue operations," he said.