The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) plans to make remote-sensing satellites to be used by the defense services for military surveillance, the Press Trust of India said Monday.
ISRO, however, insisted the planned satellite cannot be termed a spy satellite.
"The satellite is meant for thematic mapping and cartographic applications," an ISRO official said in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad.
The satellite will have a one-meter (3.3-foot ) resolution which will give it the capability to photograph objects the size of a window air-conditioner from space, he said.
India'a existing remote sensing satellites can only map natural resources.
The new satellite will be built at a cost 2.3 billion rupees (51 million dollars) and launched by 2003 – NEW DELHI (AFP)
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