Kasthurirangan, Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies, was delivering his special lecture on "Space Research Programme of India" at the Alagappa University in Karaikudi on Monday evening.

He said Indian space research scientists had reached greater heights with "a little budget," unlike NASA [Images] scientists where huge amounts were spent on space research programmes.

India was one of the four countries, which had the capacity to launch satellites into space. Many developed and developing countries were seeking India's help for launching their satellites. He also explained the role of INSAT I and II "in bringing up the Indian economy and promotion of education in every nook and corner of the country."

He underlined the importance of satellites in identifying ground water level, ideal fish catching zone, prediction of monsoon, disaster management, and bringing many Television programmes to the rural areas.

He said the knowledge of Mathematics and Physics was very much essential for space research programme,and donated Rs 86 lakh from the MP's Local Area Development fund for building the Ramanujam Centre for Higher Mathematics at the University.