Launch of NISAR 2024, NASA and ISRO working together to make India's space station
- NASA Administrator Bill Nelson expressed the US's willingness to collaborate with India in building its own space station.
- The US together with India is in the process of designing a mission for an Indian pilot to fly to the ISS before December 31, 2024.
- The country’s space agency, ISRO, will put the modern joint mission satellite with NASA into orbit in the second quarter of 2024.
Strengthening Collaborative Efforts:
During his visit, Administrator Bill Nelson and Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh discussed reinforcing cooperation between the US and India in the space sector. The dialogue included plans for an Indian astronaut's journey to the ISS, the launch of the NISAR satellite, and the exploration of NASA's HVIT facility for testing Gaganyaan module protection shields.
Joint Working Group on Human Spaceflight:
ISRO and NASA have established a Joint Working Group on Human spaceflight cooperation, exploring areas such as radiation impact studies, micrometeorite and orbital debris shield studies, space health, and medicine aspects. The collaboration extends to discussions with prominent US industries like Boeing, Blue Origin, and Voyager, as well as potential joint ventures with Indian commercial entities.
NISAR Satellite and Collaborative Testing:
The NISAR satellite, a $1.5 billion joint initiative, is set to launch onboard India's GSLV rocket, providing valuable data for studying land ecosystems, earth deformation, cryosphere dynamics, sea ice, and coastal oceans globally. Testing of the integrated L & S band SAR at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru involves collaboration between ISRO and NASA/JPL officials.
Future Collaborative Initiatives:
ISRO and NASA are in the process of finalizing an Implementing Arrangement through a concept paper, exploring further cooperation in space endeavors. The statement indicates ongoing discussions with US industries and Indian commercial entities, reflecting the commitment to fostering mutual collaboration in the evolving landscape of space exploration.
