ISRO has received approval from the Union Cabinet of India to set up an ISRO Technical Liaison Unit (ITLU) in Moscow, Russia.

The unit will enable ISRO to effectively coordinate on diversified matters with Russia and other neighbouring countries to achieve its programmatic targets.

Technical information regarding the developments in research and technology will be provided by the Liaison officer, deputed at ITLU from ISRO, in addition to inputs raised during the meetings with researchers, government agencies and industries in the respective countries.

They also support the bilateral programmes of cooperation in space technology currently underway and accordingly act on behalf of ISRO.

By establishing the ITLU in Moscow, ISRO will collaborate with Space agencies and industries in Russia, as well as neighbouring countries for mutually synergetic outcomes.

An ISRO scientist/engineer designated as ‘Counsellor (Space)’ on deputation will manage the ITLU Moscow office.

The implementation process of the new unit is anticipated to be completed within six months from the date of approval.

Indian Department of Space has technical Liaison Units under the name ISRO Technical Liaison Units (ITLU) in the US and France. The primary objective of these units is to liaise with various government and space agencies in the US and Europe, respectively.

Last month, ISRO announced to establish its own space station within seven years, marking its biggest development so far in space exploration after launching probes to the Moon and Mars.

The project is likely to be an extension of Gaganyaan, the country’s first manned mission slated for early 2022.