A video grab of simulation of India's C-25 cryogenic engine carrying a spacecraft

Russia had earlier decided to train Indian astronauts for the prestigious Gaganyaan project

NEW DELHI: India’s strategic partner Russia will transfer critical technology for Gaganyaan project besides other futuristic space programmes and partner Delhi for joint collaborations including presence at the prestigious International Space Station (ISS).

This including cooperation in futuristic technologies including new space systems, rocket engines, propellants and propulsion systems, spacecrafts and launch vehicle technology were discussed when NSA AK Doval met DG Roscosmos (Russian Space Agency) and former Deputy PM Dmitry Rogozin here on Thursday, ET has reliably learnt.

There have been frequent contacts between the two space agencies to finalise the details of the Gaganyaan Mission, which will carry Indian astronaut to space in 2022, to coincide with India’s 75th anniversary of Independence. Russia has promised all assistance for India’s Human Space Flight Mission Gaganyaan. Details regarding cooperation for the Gaganyaan Mission were discussed at the Thursday's meeting, ET has further learnt.

Russia had earlier decided to train Indian astronauts for the prestigious Gaganyaan project. "Russia is today a world leader in space program and technology. Russian firm Energia has even supplied engines to USA. America is also a partner with Russia in the International Space Station. And during NSA-Rogozin meet the Russian side stated that they would like to see India participate in the International Space Station," a source informed.

The ISS is a space station, or a habitable artificial satellite, in low Earth orbit. The ISS programme is a joint project between five participating space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada).The ownership and use of the space station is established by intergovernmental treaties and agreements. The station is divided into two sections, the Russian Orbital Segment (ROS) and the United States Orbital Segment (USOS).

Cooperation in space has emerged as a key area of cooperation in the high technology sector between India and Russia. India’s rapidly growing capabilities in outer space is being acknowledged and Russia sees India as a key partner for promoting peaceful uses of outer space, one of the persons familiar with the issue informed. Delhi share an old association with Moscow in space sector that includes Rakesh Sharma's space flight and supply of cryogenic engines to India.

Senior representatives of ROSCOSMOS, GLAVCOSMOS, Energia and Energomash were present from the Russian side at Thursday's meeting. Secretary, Space Dr. Sivan and the Director of the Human Space Flight Programme were present from the Indian side, besides other senior officials.

Both sides agreed to take a strategic approach to elevate bilateral cooperation to the next level keeping in mind the special and privileged partnership and India’s priorities such as Make in India programme, ET has learnt.