Article Posted on : - Oct 24, 2009

A file photo of Chandrayaan-1 launch.

UNITED NATIONS (PTI): After launching a moon mission, India is now looking at further options to explore the inner and outer space, including sending manned missions to space.

The Indian space programme is entering into exploration phase mainly to explore inner solar system and build such capabilities for exploring outer solar system, Member of Parliament Anwar Ali Ansari said here during a debate of a UN committee on 'International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space'.

"India also continues to discuss carrying out human spaceflight programmes," Ansari said.

Ansari said India is getting ready to launch several satellites including Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT-1).

"Six small satellites built by Germany, Turkey, Switzerland, a YOUTHSAT with participation of Moscow State University, an X-SAT with participation of NTU of Singapore, NLS-6 of Canada and ALSAT-2 from Algeria are also scheduled to be launched as co-passengers in these flights," he said.