Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
NASA will soon offer advanced training to Indian astronauts to prepare for a joint mission to the International Space Station (ISS), US envoy to India, Eric Garcetti, announced.
Garcetti made this announcement at the "US-India Commercial Space Conference: Unlocking Opportunities for US & Indian Space Startups," held in Bengaluru, organized by the US-India Business Council (USIBC) and the US Commercial Service (USCS).
The training aims to enable a joint mission to the ISS, potentially launching this year or shortly thereafter, fulfilling a promise made during recent US-India leadership visits.
Garcetti also mentioned the upcoming launch of the NISAR satellite from ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Center. This joint NASA-ISRO mission will monitor resources such as ecosystems, Earth's surface, natural hazards, sea level rise, and the cryosphere.
Emphasizing the collaboration between the two countries, Garcetti highlighted the peaceful use of space, including the Artemis Accord, which outlines safe exploration of the moon and beyond.
The conference featured senior officials from both governments, including ISRO Chairman Dr. S Somanath, NASA representatives, NOAA, and various industry leaders, venture capitalists, and market analysts.
ISRO Chairman Dr. S Somanath praised the growing partnership between Indian and US space sectors, highlighting the collaborative engagement in critical technologies.
USIBC President Atul Keshap and Managing Director Alexander Slater emphasized the conference's role in fostering strategic alliances, driving innovation, and creating economic growth and high-tech jobs in both countries.
Separately, senior defence officials from India and the US met in Washington for the second annual US-India Advanced Domains Defence Dialogue (AD3), discussing opportunities for strengthened space cooperation and collaboration with US industry.