New Delhi born American eying for space

One more space success to lure the Indians! This time for a New Delhi born American, whose company in association with Boeing is eying for an agreement with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to look after cargo requirement of International Space Station (ISS), once they pull out their program after 2011. With the great success of India’s Chandrayaan-1 still in memory, the news will surely help recognize high-caliber Indians and will boost morale of all Indian agencies involved in space missions.Dr Chirinjeev Khaturia, an Indian immigrant to US, is presently the chairman of PlanetSpace, which has taken a giant step forward by agreeing to participate in a prestigious role in US’ space missions. PlanetSpace, in collaboration with prominent aircraft manufacturer Boeing, may soon start providing commercial re-supply services (CRS) to ISS. The business is costing around $3 billion. There are other two agencies in the competition for the mega deal with NASA.
This is not the first time PlanetSpace has engaged itself in space activity. In fact, the company aims for commercializing the space business. Khaturia’s company has also developed partnership understanding with Lockheed Martin, manufacturer of advanced defence technology systems and Alliant Techsystems (ATK), an advanced space systems provider to fulfill their space objectives. The new consortium of PlanetSpace with Boeing is too expected to deliver its intended fruit. Speaking on the occasion, 42 years old Kathuria said, “We are thrilled to add Boeing to round out our extraordinary team”. He added further, “This team brings together technical innovations leveraging more than 50 years of relevant experience using flight-qualified US-built Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Motors, Athena launch vehicles, proven space vehicle technology and on-orbit operations”.
As part of the agreement with PlanetSpace, Boeing will be responsible for cargo carrier development, ISS integration and operations support, and cargo integration services. Vice president and general manager of Boeing’s Space Exploration division Brewster Shaw said, “This CRS contract is an important part of ensuring the long-term viability and value of the ISS. Boeing is pleased to be a part of the PlanetSpace CRS team”. He also added, “The Boeing Company, as a partner in the design, development and integration of the ISS, shares NASA’s interest in ensuring this national resource and world-class laboratory is used to its full capability and potential”.
Justifying his claim and expressing his happiness over the recent development, Dr. Kathuria said, “The team PlanetSpace has assembled is the only team that can address NASA’s capability based on availability of heritage hardware and software systems, unprecedented corporate commitment and the reputations for ultimate mission success. We commend Congress and NASA on their continued commitment to support and grow commercial spaceflight supporting our nation’s space utilization needs”.