A US ban on the sale of space technology to India will affect the Indian
space programme only 鈥榓 little bit鈥�, according to U. R. Rao, head of the
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Rao says that the components
affected by the ban could be produced in India, although the cost would
be higher.
The embargo was imposed as a result of India purchasing a cryogenic
rocket motor from Russia, which the Americans claimed could be adapted for
military use. Rao says, however, that 鈥榠t is very well known that the Indian
space programme is a totally peaceful programme鈥�.
In spite of Rao鈥檚 public optimism, ISRO has set up a commission to assess
the impact of the embargo. Six projects may be delayed as a result of it,
including the launch of the INSAT-2B geostationary satellite scheduled for
next year.
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