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NASA Invites ISRO to Join Moon Base Programme

Kumari Sonali

NASA Invites ISRO to Join Moon Base Programme:

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has invited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to join its ambitious Moon Base programme. The programme aims to establish a permanent human outpost near the Moon’s South Pole.

  • The invitation was extended during the 9th meeting of the India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group (CSJWG) held at the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru.
  • The CSJWG meeting advanced civil and commercial space cooperation under the US-India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology) initiative.
  • The two countries also reviewed the successful NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission and possibilities for further collaboration.
  • They reaffirmed commitment to UN COPUOS guidelines on the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.
  • The invitation significantly builds upon the expanding space partnership between the two nations under the Artemis Accords, which India joined in June 2023.
    Moon Base Programme and the Artemis Framework
  • Artemis Program Led by NASA, the Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon for the first time since the Apollo missions (1972) and establish a permanent lunar base to prepare for future crewed missions to Mars.
  • The Moon Base Project: It is a three-phase programme aimed at building humanity’s first outpost near the lunar South Pole and establishing an enduring human presence there. The lunar South Pole is strategically important due to the presence of water ice in shadowed regions.
    • Phase 1 (Through 2029): Focuses on robotic missions to explore the South Pole, demonstrate technologies, and lay the groundwork.
    • Phase 2 (2029-2032): Involves building systems and critical infrastructure for long-term lunar presence.
    • Phase 3: Begins the assembly of a permanent lunar outpost where astronauts can live, work, and conduct extensive scientific research.
  • Artemis Accords Established in 2020 by NASA, the US Department of State and seven initial signatories, the Accords are a non-binding framework of principles guiding the peaceful, safe and sustainable civil exploration and use of outer space. India became the 27th signatory in 2023.