No foreign spy satellite detected in last five years: Government

NEW DELHI: Government today said it has not found presence of any foreign spy satellite in the last five years.

It also stated that it was difficult to distinguish between high-resolution remote sensing satellites for civilian purposes and spy satellites.

In response to a written question in Lok Sabha, V Narayansamy, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions said, there have been reports about spy satellites launched by various countries for intelligence and surveillance.

"However, in the present day context, the distinction between highly agile high-resolution remote sensing satellites for civilian purposes and the spy satellites is very thin.

"Such high-resolution remote sensing satellites have been launched by many countries and are used for earth observation. As per the international space law, outer space does not come under the jurisdiction of any country," he said.

In response to another question on whether India is lagging behind China in space research programmes, the minister said both countries are pursuing their respective national space programmes with different priorities.

"China has developed strength in launch vehicle domain including the capability for human spaceflight missions. India has capability to launch 2.2 tonne payloads into Geostationary Transfer Orbit and is in the process of upgrading the launch capability to 4-tonne.

"India has strength in space applications and its domestic constellation of remote sensing and communication satellites are considered to be the largest in Asia-Pacific region," the minister said.

He added that ISRO has drawn-up a long-term plan for space research identifying the goals, programme directions and technology requirements.

The plan encompasses development of advanced launch vehicle systems including critical technologies for re-usable launch vehicles and human space flight programme.