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NEW DELHI (BNS): Indian space agency ISRO, which aims to launch eight foreign satellites in the coming years, has earned over Rs. 100 crore in the last three years by sending such satellites into orbit.

The agency has launched two dozen satellites, including six nano satellites, at a cost of Rs 101.60 crore, Minister of State in PMO Prithviraj Chavan told the Lok Sabha Wednesday.

ISRO also plans to launch a Naval satellite in 2010-11. It would provide communication facility to various naval vessels, the minister said.

“The overall thrust of the space programme for the future is to sustain and strengthen space-based services in a self-reliant manner towards national development and develop space technology capabilities in the areas of advanced satellites,” Chavan said.

The space programme also envisages enhancing capabilities in the areas of satellite communications, navigation, earth observation and human space flight in addition to pursuing research in space science, astronomy and planetary exploration, he said.

Among other ambitious plans the space agency plans to undertake in future include sending human beings in space and planetary exploration within the next decade.

ISRO's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle is capable of putting into orbit a 500 kg payload to undertake a mission to Mars.