"We have sparked a debate on the issue of whether a manned space mission is necessary or not.. In a year, we will be able to reach a decision on the issue," Nair told reporters here Saturday.

"We have to first decide how far such a manned mission is beneficial and whether we can afford to remain without it. Only a national debate can throw up answers for a consensus to go for a manned mission," he said.

A debate is on among the country's space scientists, academia and the government, about the feasibility of a manned mission, which is expected to cost up to Rs 15,000 to 20,000 crore.

"We need to develop a lot of new technologies to build a life-supporting system, a space capsule with safety features to survive, and a recovery operation to complete the mission. If it is decided, then we do not want to lag behind in our preparations," Nair said, adding it will take at least seven to eight years for the agency to prepare for the mission.

The un-manned mission would cost around Rs 3000 crore, "therefore, it has to be debated and decided whether it is worthwhile to go on with a manned mission, when the same can be achieved by robotic instruments," he added.

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