NASA will soon provide advanced training to Indian astronauts for joint ISS mission

• Image Credit: Google

• May 25, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

These developments signify a deepening partnership between the US and India in space exploration and nuclear energy...

Digital Desk: In a significant development for US-India space cooperation, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti announced on Friday that NASA will soon commence training Indian astronauts. This initiative is part of the joint effort to enhance collaboration on the International Space Station (ISS). Garcetti confirmed that an Indian astronaut would be sent to the ISS by the end of this year, underlining America's commitment to this mission, which was pledged during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in 2023.

Speaking at the “US-India Commercial Space Conference: Unlocking Opportunities for US & Indian Space Startups” in Bangalore, Garcetti reaffirmed, "We promised when PM (Narendra) Modi came (to the US in 2023) that by the end of this year, we will do this and our mission is still on track to be able to go in space this year," as reported by PTI.

In addition to this ambitious ISS mission, Garcetti provided an update on the NISAR project, a collaborative Earth-observing mission between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The NISAR satellite is set for launch by the end of the year, aiming to provide critical data for understanding natural phenomena such as earthquakes and climate change.

Garcetti also lauded ISRO's achievements, particularly highlighting the cost-effective success of India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, which landed on the Moon last year. This accomplishment underscores the high efficiency and capability of the Indian space agency.

The ambassador also touched on potential advancements in nuclear energy projects in India, specifically mentioning Mithi Virdi in Gujarat and Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh. These projects are contingent upon the resolution of concerns regarding the Civil Liability Nuclear Damage Act of 2010, which mandates prompt compensation for victims of nuclear incidents.

Notably, these developments signify a deepening partnership between the US and India in space exploration and nuclear energy, reflecting both nations' commitment to advancing technological cooperation and strategic alliances.