Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, through a tele-link from his official residence in Delhi, inaugurated new campus of Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) at Valiamala at the southern end of the country. The function, organized simultaneously in Delhi and Valiamala, was attended by three cabinet ministers, four Kerala Ministers, top scientists from ISRO and leader of opposition in the state.

Dr. Singh said: "The Space Vision should spell out not only our expansion plans but also the new frontiers of technology that we wish to master. We should reflect on how we can more effectively harness space technology for developmental purposes."

The PM also inaugurated a Space Complex of the ISRO in Delhi, also through tele-link, aimed at promoting space science technology and research activities to implement tele-medicine, tele-education, disaster management and village resource management across northern regions, according to ISRO Chairman G. Madhavan Nair.

Mr. Nair added: "I recall the pride I felt, like all other Indians, when I was informed of the success of the Chandrayaan Mission to the Moon. You have earned the respect of the entire international community."

Scientists and teams in IRSO and Defense Research Development Organization were also awarded, during the sidelines of the function, for their contribution in the space science arena.

IIST Director B. N. Suresh said that new IIST campus will be operational by January 2010, to roll out under graduate courses in space science.