WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India's participation in the Artemis Accords as a significant step forward in space cooperation during a joint press conference with President Joe Biden at the White House. The Artemis Accords, based on the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, represent a collective vision for space exploration aimed at benefiting humanity. India now joins 26 other countries committed to peaceful and sustainable collaboration for the exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The leaders expressed their appreciation for the growing cooperation between India and the United States in the fields of earth and space science, as well as space technologies. Notably, they welcomed the decision of NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to establish a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation by the end of 2023.
Furthermore, President Biden and Prime Minister Modi commended NASA's initiative to provide advanced training to Indian astronauts at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The goal is to facilitate a joint mission to the International Space Station in 2024. This endeavor signifies a significant milestone in the deepening partnership between the two nations.
The leaders also celebrated the delivery of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite to the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. NISAR, scheduled for launch from India in 2024, will play a crucial role in monitoring and understanding Earth's changing ecosystems, including natural hazards and sea level rise.
India's newly released Space Policy - 2023 was also applauded, emphasizing the need for enhanced commercial collaboration between the private sectors of the United States and India throughout the space economy. The leaders highlighted the importance of addressing export controls and facilitating technology transfer to facilitate such collaboration effectively.
President Biden expressed his deep appreciation for India's commitment to the Artemis Accords, underscoring its contribution to the shared vision of space exploration for the betterment of all humankind. Meanwhile, NASA and ISRO are actively developing a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation, which is expected to be finalized by the end of 2023.
Moreover, India has approved a substantial investment of USD 318 million for the construction of a Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, which will work alongside similar facilities in the United States, Europe, and Japan. This collaboration will contribute to the study of gravitational waves, providing insights into the origins of the universe.
Lastly, the United States Geological Survey and ISRO are engaged in negotiations to expand bilateral data exchange. This collaboration will enhance understanding of the Earth's dynamics, aiding applications such as climate resiliency, sustainable development, natural resource management, and disaster response.
The joint statement issued after the meetings at the White House exemplifies the shared commitment of the United States and India to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and fostering cooperation in various scientific and technological domains. The future looks promising as both nations forge ahead on their shared journey into the cosmos.
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