US clears Isro launch of Algerian satellites

The US has allowed the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) to launch Algerian satellites having American components using an Indian launch vehicle, following a Technical Safeguards Agreement (TSA) between the two countries.

A TSA, covering launches of satellites having US components on Indian launch vehicles, was signed between India and the US on July 20 during the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to New Delhi.

“Following the signing of the TSA during Secretary Clinton’s recent visit to India, the US government has given clearance for the launch by Isro of Algerian satellites ALSAT-2A and ALSAT-2B, which have US components, on board an Indian space launch vehicle,” the Indian Embassy said in a statement.