The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the US space agency NASA will sign the Artemis agreement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States.National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will collaborate to send Indian astronauts, trained at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024. India became the 27th country to sign the nonbinding Artemis Accords.
Artemis Accords
- Artemis Accords are established by the U.S. State Department and NASA with seven other founding members: Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom in 2020 for setting common principles to govern civil exploration and use of outer space, the moon, Mars, comets, and asteroids, for peaceful purposes.
- It builds upon the foundation of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967.
- The Outer Space Treaty, a multilateral pact under the United Nations, serves as the foundation for international space law.
- The treaty emphasizes space as a shared resource for humanity, prohibits national appropriation, and encourages the peaceful use of space.
Commitments under the Accords
- Peaceful Purposes: The signatories will implement memorandum of understanding (MOUs) between governments or agencies to conduct space activities for peaceful purposes in accordance with international law.
- Common Infrastructure: Signatories recognize the importance of common exploration infrastructure to enhance scientific discovery and commercial utilization.
- Registration and Data Sharing: Relevant space objects are registered, and scientific data is openly shared in a timely manner. Private sectors are exempt unless acting on behalf of a signatory.
- Preservation of Heritage: Signatories are expected to preserve historic landing sites, artifacts, and evidence of activity on celestial bodies.
- Utilization of Space Resources: Utilization of space resources should support safe and sustainable activities and not interfere with other signatories’ activities. Information on location and nature must be shared to prevent interference.
- Mitigation of Debris: Signatories plan for the safe disposal of spacecraft and limit the generation of harmful debris.
Benefits India Related to the Accord
- India’s participation in the Artemis Accords facilitates access to advanced training, technological advancements, and scientific opportunities.
- India can leverage the Artemis programme to advance its own lunar exploration goals, such as the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
- Collaborating with NASA would enhance India’s capabilities for the Gaganyaan human mission and future ambitious space missions.
- Also, India’s cost-effective missions and innovative approach will benefit the Artemis program, promoting mutual advancements in space exploration.