Bangalore: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is close to joining hands with Boeing to jointly build and market two-tonne class satellites for the global market, ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair indicated today (Aug 12, 2004).

"It's in the discussion stage; we hope that in another month's time, we will have better clarity on that," Nair told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Bangalore.

It was noted that the US administration has already given the green signal to the Boeing Satellite Systems to negotiate a tie-up with Bangalore-headquartered ISRO.

Meanwhile, Nair also said that ISRO is also in discussion with US firm Raytheon to sign a commercial contract to establish ground system for GPS augmentation, which is required for aircraft navigation.

"Lot of equipment needs to be bought. They (Raytheon) have the technology and equipment. We are trying to have a commercial contract with them, if possible. If the terms are agreed, we may sign with them," he said.

Nair also said ISRO would launch an European payload next year.