ISRO has the technological expertise to make hi-tech and complex launch vehicles and spaceships needed for a journey to moon which is 3,80,000 kilometres away from the earth.

With the indigenously developed geostationary launchvehicle (GSLV) technology, making a suitable launch vehicle for the lunar journey would not be a problem for ISRO, Rao, a former chairman of ISRO, told newsmen.

"Making the spaceship and a lunar ferry which will detach it from the main spaceship and ultimately land on the moon will, however, be a bit difficult as parameters like lunar gravity and influence of other celestial bodies will have to be taken into consideration," he said.

With the existing expertise ISRO can do the job ably, he said. He, however, refused to comment on earlier media reports quoting ISRO chief K Kasturirangan that ISRO would send men to moon within a decade. Manfirst landed on moon 30 years ago.

The destination moon project might cost about Rs 200-250 crore, Rao, a member of Space Commission, said.

Destination moon, however, was not a high-priority issue for ISRO as it is currently focussing on community-serving activities, he said. "The project will be taken up only if there is an urgent need to conduct some important experiments on lunar surface," he added.