The Soviet space enterprise Glavkosmos
agreed in 1991 to sell two cryogenic engines, and transfer critical
technology for manufacturing them, to the Indian Space Research Organization
(ISRO) for use in its space launch vehicle
programs.[1,2] Contending that the transfer of missile technology
violated MTCR guidelines, the United States imposed trade sanctions on
Glavkosmos and ISRO in 1992, and the deal was subsequently cancelled.
In December 1993, Glavkosmos agreed to provide four finished rocket stages
with cryogenic engines (with an option for three
more) plus two mockups and test equipment, but
dropped the technology transfer component of the deal.[3,4] The Untied
States subsequently dropped its objections to the sale, and lifted the
sanctions in 1994, but according to ISRO officials, Russian sources, and
other reports, India had by 1993 already received up to 90 percent
of the manfacturing technology, plus manufacturing equipment and technical
training.[5,6,7,8] In 1995, ISRO exercised its option to buy three additional
finished stages, for a total of seven, the first of which was scheduled
for delivery in 1996.[1,2] Several delays and reschedulings ensued,
however, and the first booster was not delivered until September 1998.[9]
Sources: [1] Interfax, 21 April 1995; in "Russia to Supply Cryogenic
Boosters to India as Agreed," FBIS-SOV-95-079, 21 April 1995. [2] "India Increases Order for Cryogenic Engines," Space
News, 13 March 1995, p. 2. [3] Vladimir Radyuhin, "Russia-India Cryogenic Rocket
Deal Reported 'Renegotiated,'" The Hindu, 1 June 1994, p. 1. [4] Rossiyskiye vesti, 4 January 1994, p. 6; in
"Provisions of New Cryogenic Deal with India Outlined," FBIS-SOV-94-002,
4 January 1994. [5] "Native Cryogenic Engine Design Progressing Fast,"
The Hindu, 9 April 1994, p. 12. [6] Neelam Jain, UPI, 15 March 1994, in "Russia Transfers
Advanced Technology to India Despite US Pressure," Executive News Service,
15 March 1994. [7] "India Said it Will Be Able to Make its Own Cryogenic
Rocket Engines," BMD Monitor, 12 August 1994, p. 296. [8] "India Says it Can Make Rockets Without Help," Washington
Times, 30 July 1994, p. A10. [9] Leonid Kotov, ITAR-TASS, 24 September 1998; in "India
Gets 1st Cryogenic Missile Engine," FBIS-SOV-98-268, 25 September 1998.
Overview
