U.S., India discuss space cooperation
http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/space/06/21/india.space.ap/index.html
BANGALORE, India (AP) – Space technology officials from the United States and India are exploring ways to collaborate on space programs, putting behind them years of sanctions that followed New Delhi’s nuclear tests in 1998.
U.S. President George W. Bush sent a message to the five-day conference on space co-operation between the two countries that opened Monday.
He called the gathering a chance “to identify new opportunities for civil space cooperation, to answer scientific questions, improve the quality of life for others and inspire the next generation to explore our universe.”
India hopes the conference in the southern technology hub of Bangalore will lead to lifting of all restrictions on U.S. high-tech exports to its space agency. India also wants access to the latest U.S. technology and to take part in joint space missions.
The United States is keen to use Indian space technology such as remote sensing --** India plans to launch 40 satellites capable of collecting images of the Earth from space by 2008 – and also to step up exports of parts for rockets, satellites and other equipment.**
Worries over missile and nuclear proliferation prompted Washington to clamp down on so-called “dual use” technology exports – items that it believes could be diverted from civilian to military use – such as parts for rocket guidance systems and engines.
Those fears were heightened in 1998 by a series of tit-for-tat underground nuclear tests conducted by India and Pakistan. At the time, the United States imposed economic sanctions on both countries. Most have since been lifted.
But procuring some items from the United States is still prohibited and India’s space industry has survived by making its own alternatives or buying from elsewhere.
In recent years, India has developed space rockets able to fire satellites into orbit, and short-and medium-range missiles.
However, U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce Kenneth I. Juster said Monday export licensing rules do not prevent America from increasing “dual use” exports to India.
“I want to correct some misconceptions,” Juster said. “Our licensing practices since the lifting of sanctions in 2001 have led to a dramatic and continuous increase in the volume and value of high-tech exports.”
“This positive and noteworthy trend is also seen with regard to space technology,” he said.
Other U.S. officials taking part in the conference are Frederick D. Gregory, deputy administrator of NASA; and Lee M.E. Morin, deputy assistant secretary for science in the State Department.
Boeing, Raytheon, Panamsat, Intelsat, Worldspace, Qualcomm and Hewlett-Packard are among the companies taking part along with several U.S. universities.