GLOBAL SPACE AGENDA

featuring

G. Madhavan Nair

Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization;

On

Transforming India’s Space Program

As India enters its sixtieth year of independence, one of its national technological crown jewels – the space program – is undergoing a fundamental transformation as its focus turns outward.  India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has more than 40 years of experience, with capabilities in launch systems, telecommunications and Earth Observation.  Last year, India announced its intention to join Russia, the US, and China as the only nations with human spaceflight capability.  Now, against the backdrop of an Asian Space Race, India is focusing its space activities outwards, both towards other nations through increased bilateral ties and international engagement as well as towards exploration of the Moon.

As Indo-American economic ties boom, the relationship between the oldest and largest democracies is exploring new frontiers – including technological cooperation in a wide array of areas. With only a few months to go before the launch of India’s first lunar mission – which will carry American instruments – the head of the Indian space program, Mr. G. Madhavan Nair (Chairman, ISRO; Chairman, Space Commission; Secretary, Department of Space), will make his first visit to the US to strengthen bilateral ties with his American counterparts.

CSIS’ Space Initiatives and South Asia Programs are pleased to host Chairman Nair and ISRO to discuss the transformation and future of the Indian space program as part of our Global Space Agenda series.  The CSIS Global Space Agenda is a forum for parties in current and emerging space-faring nations to discuss their progress as well as potential interest in engagement with other groups.  The Global Space Agenda is intended to augment existing dialog among international partners by providing a new, neutral venue for discussion, one in which all interested sectors can communicate openly and directly with each other.  Registration will start at 11:00 am, with welcome remarks at 11:15 am.  Space for this event is very limited and seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so we ask that you please respond indicating your availability at your earliest possible convenience.

Please RSVP to us at space@csis.org, and if you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your consideration.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Registration 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

1800 K Street NW, Washington DC

B1 Conference Level