India Joins US in Artemis Mission: Collaboration in Space Exploration

India Joins US in Artemis Mission to Send Astronauts to the Moon

JAKARTA – India has announced its decision to join the United States (US) in the Artemis mission, which aims to send astronauts to the Moon as early as 2024. The Artemis Accords, an initiative led by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), seeks to foster cooperation with other nations in space exploration, including Mars and a return to the Moon.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement yesterday, stating that India will join the non-binding exploration program. “Today, we have taken a big leap in our space cooperation by deciding to join the Artemis Accords,” Prime Minister Modi said during a joint press conference with US President Joe Biden at the White House.

The Artemis Accords, building on the foundation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST), provide a comprehensive framework of guidelines to govern the exploration and use of outer space in the modern era. While not legally binding, these principles serve as a roadmap for international collaboration in civic space.

The program was initiated in October 2020 with seven founding member countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, and Ecuador. With India’s inclusion, the Artemis Accords now encompass almost all space-faring nations, with the exception of China and Russia. Participating countries are required to maintain efficiency in extracting and exploiting resources on the Moon, Mars, and asteroids. They must also publicly disclose the location and nature of their operations to ensure safety and prevent conflicts with other members. Additionally, attention must be given to issues such as the mitigation of orbital debris and the disposal of obsolete spacecraft.

In addition to joining the Artemis Accords, NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) are collaborating on human spaceflight this year. Both agencies plan to send Indian astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) next year. This endeavor aims to enhance the research capabilities of Indian astronauts by providing them with advanced training from NASA and granting them access to the ISS.

India has traditionally relied heavily on Russia for astronaut training, but the decision to partner with NASA marks a significant shift in their space cooperation. The news was reported by TechCrunch and Axios on Friday, June 23.

Tags: india, nasa, usa, artemis

How will India’s participation in the Artemis Accords enhance its contribution to peaceful space exploration and scientific advancements?

Initiative to further contribute to peaceful space exploration and scientific advancements. This decision marks an important step for India in expanding its space program and collaborating with other nations in the exploration of celestial bodies.

The Artemis mission, named after the Greek goddess of the moon, aims to land the first woman and the next man on the lunar surface by 2024. It is an ambitious project led by NASA, with the goal of establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon by the end of the decade and eventually preparing for human exploration of Mars.

By joining the Artemis Accords, India will have the opportunity to participate in the planning and implementation of future lunar missions. The Accords provide a framework for international cooperation in areas such as the use of space resources, exploration transparency, and the preservation of historical sites and artifacts. It also promotes the peaceful and responsible use of space, ensuring the safety and sustainability of future missions.

India has made significant strides in space exploration in recent years, with successful missions to the Moon and Mars. The country’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has gained international recognition for its low-cost and high-efficiency launches. By joining the Artemis mission, India can leverage its expertise and resources to contribute to the scientific and technological advancements of the project.

The collaboration between India and the US in the Artemis mission highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in space exploration. With countries like China and Russia also making significant advancements in their space programs, collaboration and partnership among nations are essential to maximizing resources, sharing knowledge, and advancing the frontiers of space exploration.

India’s decision to join the Artemis mission underscores its commitment to space exploration and its desire to be at the forefront of scientific discoveries. The collaboration will not only benefit India but also contribute to the global scientific community’s understanding of the Moon and its potential for future human exploration.

As preparations for the Artemis mission accelerate, the inclusion of India reinforces the importance of international collaboration in achieving humanity’s ambitious goals in space. With the combined efforts and expertise of various nations, the Artemis mission is poised to usher in a new era of lunar exploration and pave the way for future human presence on other celestial bodies.