NASA to Provide Advanced Training to Indian Astronauts for Joint International Space Station Mission

GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 25th May. In a move towards international collaboration in space exploration, NASA is set to provide advanced training to Indian astronauts, aiming for a joint effort to the International Space Station (ISS), announced a top American diplomat on Friday.

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti made this announcement during the “US-India Commercial Space Conference: Unlocking Opportunities for US & Indian Space Startups,” organized by the US-India Business Council (USIBC) and the US Commercial Service (USCS) in Bangalore.

According to a press statement issued by USIBC, Garcetti stated, “NASA will soon provide advanced training to Indian astronauts, with the goal of mounting a joint effort to the International Space Station, hopefully, this year or shortly thereafter, which was one of the promises of our leaders’ visit together.”

Garcetti also highlighted the upcoming launch of the NISAR satellite from ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Center, which will monitor various resources including ecosystems, Earth’s surface, natural hazards, sea level rise, and the cryosphere.

During the conference, Garcetti emphasized the collaborative efforts between the US and India in space exploration, stating, “Whether it’s the pursuit of peace and the peaceful use of space, things like the Artemis Accord, we are hand in hand, arm in arm.”

The event witnessed participation from senior officials from both the US and Indian governments, including ISRO Chairman Dr. Somanath S., representatives from NASA, NOAA, and the Government of India, as well as leaders from the commercial space industry, venture capitalists, and market analysts.

Dr. Somanath expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between Indian and US partners in critical technologies, especially in the space sector. He highlighted the strengthening connection between Indian and US partners and the opportunities available for industries in both countries to engage in the emerging space sector.

USIBC president Atul Keshap described the conference as a new chapter in the US-India space partnership, emphasizing the deepening synergy between the two nations in pioneering space exploration and innovation.

USIBC managing director Alexander Slater underscored the importance of fostering strategic partnerships to drive innovation and propel the space industry forward, highlighting the conference as a step towards unlocking new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and technological leadership through bilateral cooperation in space exploration.