During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the United States, an important milestone was reached in space exploration and cooperation. On Thursday, the Prime Minister signed the Artemis Accords with the United States, signaling India’s commitment to global space collaboration. Additionally, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have agreed to launch a joint mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024. This article explores the significance of these developments and the potential implications for India’s space program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Artemis Accords are a non-binding multilateral arrangement between the US government and other world governments participating in the Artemis program. This program aims to return humans to the Moon by 2025 and eventually expand space exploration to Mars and beyond. The accords, grounded in the United Nations Outer Space Treaty of 1967, establish a framework for cooperation in civil space exploration and use in the 21st century. As of June 22, 2023, 26 countries and one territory have signed the accords, demonstrating their commitment to the principles outlined within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Artemis Accords outline a set of principles and guidelines that participating countries are expected to follow during lunar missions. These principles include the peaceful exploration of space, transparency, interoperability, sustainable utilization of space resources, and preservation of historic sites and artifacts on the Moon. By signing the accords, India showcases its dedication to these principles and its readiness to collaborate with other nations in lunar exploration.<\/p>\n\n\n