India has proven to the world that it has emerged as a major player in space exploration. ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 created history by successfully landing on the lunar south pole. The mission is expected to make breakthrough discoveries that will help in future moon missions. ISRO is now in talks with the American space agency, NASA, to work on a joint mission. The mission would aim at sending an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station.
Currently in India for the G20 summit, President Biden had a long discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after which a joint statement was released. This statement informed that a strategic framework for the mission will be finalized by the year end and the actual mission is scheduled for 2024.
NASA also intends to work in close coordination with ISRO on planetary defence against asteroids or other near earth objects. The US will support India in asteroid detection with the help of the Minor Planet Center.
The joint collaboration between India and USA is likely to strengthen ties between the nations and boost India’s space endeavor. The cost effective programs of ISRO also sets it apart from other space agencies.
