New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has given its approval for an MoU between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) for the development of a joint small satellite.
The MoU outlines collaboration on the development of the joint satellite and the use of MRIC’s Ground Station. The project aims to involve Indian industries in the creation of subsystems, providing a boost to the domestic industry.
The collaboration is expected to secure continuous support from the Mauritius government for ISRO’s ground station. Furthermore, the joint satellite initiative will ensure reciprocal support from MRIC’s ground station for ISRO’s small satellite missions in the future. Involvement of Indian industries in specific subsystems is anticipated to generate employment opportunities.
The timeline for the realisation of the joint satellite is set at 15 months, with an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore, covered by the government of India. The MoU was formally signed during the visit of the Minister of State (MEA) to Mauritius on November 1, 2023, coinciding with the ‘Aapravasi Diwas’ event.
