(a) whether the Government have formulated any scheme to launch a space
aircraft to moon by the year 2005;
(b) if so, the objective of the said mission;
(c) the time by which it is likely to be sent;
(d) whether the project is being planned in collaboration with some other
country or indigenously;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the details of estimated expenditure on the mission?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF SPACE (SMT. VASUNDHARA RAJE):
(a),(b),(c),(d),(e)&(f): A statement is laid on the table of the Lok Sabha.
STATEMENT LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN REPLY
TO PARTS (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) & (f) OF STARRED QUESTION NO.142
REGARDING `MISSION TO MOON` BY S/SHRI CHANDRAKANT
KHAIRE AND SURESH PASI FOR ANSWER ON AUGUST 02, 2000.
(a)&(b) No, Sir. However, preliminary studies have been undertaken by
ISRO to examine the scientific aspects and feasibility of
undertaking a mission to moon. These studies are primarily
related to examination of possible scientific objectives,
conceptualization of mission involving the spacecraft and the
feasibility of using Indian launch vehicles to launch such a
spacecraft into lunar orbit.
(c) It is expected to take about five years from the date of approval.
(d) No other agency is yet contacted on collaboration.
(e) Does not arise.
(f) As the instrumentation details are not worked out, it is difficult
at this stage to estimate the expenditure on this mission.