Remote sensing technology for studies of the Earth's environment and refinement of launch capabilities have been reaffirmed as the top priorities of India's space program, according to that country's Space Office in Washington. Dr. Rajeev Lochan, Counselor for Space, told space.com that his country has approved a $300 million budget for space activities this year and is developing a five year plan to coordinate satellite launches and rocket development.

Lochan said that nearly half of the annual funding level, or 47 percent, will go towards the development of the PSLV and GSLV launch vehicle family. Operational satellites will take another 29 percent, followed by space applications and administrative costs. The PSLV is designed to launch remote sensing satellites, while the GSLV, to be tested next year, will be a commercial launcher for communications satellites. Lochan emphasized that the GSLV will be available for commercial sales once its testing is complete. "We are interested in any and all customers for this new vehicle", he told space.com from the Indian Embassy in Washington. Within the $300 billion annual national budget, space receives about one cent out of every dollar India spends, according to Lochan. By contrast Defense receives 13 cents and education 2 1/4 cents.

Nationally, space accounts for 18,000 workers and an additional 12,000 technologists and scientists. The INSAT and IRS satellite projects will be the top Indian payloads under development during the next half decade. Agricultural monitoring, urban studies, and water resource identification are the top space applications for the programs, Lochan said.