PM Modi’s visit to the US has so far turned out to be immensely successful. His four-day trip to the US has not only grabbed headlines in India but also in the international community as well.
Now according to the latest developments, India has decided to join the Artemis Accords. Furthermore, ISRO and NASA have agreed to collaborate on a joint mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024.
Speaking about the Artemis Accords, it is basically a set of non-binding principles designed to guide space exploration and use in the 21st century. Furthermore, the ultimate goal is aimed at taking humans to Mars and beyond, with a shorter-term goal of taking humans again to the moon by 2025.
Under the Artemis Accords, countries must pledge to conduct their space activities in a peaceful manner by avoiding any harmful interference. Also, these countries are also required to be more transparent by openly sharing scientific data, orbital debris tracking information, and provide emergency assistance, if required.
On top of that, signed countries are also asked to protect and preserve the historic lunar sites and artifacts by recognising their historic, cultural and scientific value. Also, these countries are required to use space resources more sustainably.
According to an official, as part of progressing partnership between ISRO and NASA, both government space agencies will be developing a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation later this year.
Commenting on the ISRO-NASA partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India has taken a “big leap forward” in space cooperation after the country joined the US-led initiative. It is also worth mentioning that 26 countries have already signed the Artemis Accords with representation from all the continents.
By signing the American-led initiative, India has further cemented its status in the international space. Also, thanks to the transparency of information under the Artemis Accords, ISRO will have more useful information at its disposal for all of its future space explorations.
Furthermore, the collaboration between ISRO and NASA is expected to benefit both nations equally. Also, the short-term goal of taking humans back to the moon by 2025 is most likely to benefit from this partnership.
