The Indian Space Research Organisation has an offer too tempting to resist: Boeing has said it is ready to collaborate and offer technological know-how to Isro for its human space flight programme, scheduled tentatively for 2016.
This will include construction of a crew vehicle to the International Space Station (ISS), journey to the station and re-entry into earth's atmosphere, which is the most crucial aspect of the programme.
Dr Vivek Lall, vice-president and India country head, Boeing Defense, Space and Security told TOI: "Boeing has initiated discussions with Isro to offer our support to India's human space flight programme. With our legacy in space exploration design, development and integration, we believe we can provide value-added assistance to India's national programme."
Lall added: "We plan to submit a formal request to the US Department of State to enable us to proceed down this path should our services be accepted."
The senior Boeing official pointed out that Nasa had offered a Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) contract to Boeing with Bigelow Aerospace as a key team mate to initiate the design and development architecture of commercial transport to and from ISS.
"This programme opens the door for collaboration between Boeing and Isro in areas of commercial crew transportation."
Boeing has offered collaboration in four specific areas, one of them in which Isro has already begun work.
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