Need for cost-effective travel to space: ex-ISRO chief

Noting that space tourism could become of great importance  to humans, Kasturirangan said a lot of development is going on in this regard and people are already spending USD 15-20 million to travel for a week to outer space.  

He said India has gone ahead with using its satellites and regional navigation system with the same precision as the US and Europe.

India will have a global positioning system of its own in the coming two to three years, he said, adding the country is trying to be an active part of the global community of exploration of a solar system, robotic missions among others.  

The space scientist said different government departments like education, medical, agriculture, industry, communications are demanding satellites to cater to their specific needs and efforts are on to fulfil them.

Dr Syeda Hameed, a women rights activist and member of the Planning Commission, and Padma Sethi, director of ICMF, were also present at the function.