During a trip to India, the NASA administrator mentioned that the United States and India are collaborating on initiatives to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station by the conclusion of the upcoming year.
During his visit to India, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson expressed the U.S.’s commitment to enhancing collaboration by offering assistance in the construction of India’s own space station. This marks a significant step in the deepening partnership between the United States and India in the realm of space exploration.
Nelson revealed that the U.S. and India are actively working on plans to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) by the conclusion of the next year. Simultaneously, a state-of-the-art joint venture satellite named NISAR, developed in collaboration with NASA, is scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2024 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The discussions between Nelson and India’s Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh encompassed various aspects of strengthening cooperation in the space sector. An interesting facet emerged as ISRO explores the feasibility of utilizing NASA’s Hypervelocity Impact Test (HVIT) facility. This facility would be instrumental in testing the Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) protection shields for the Gaganyaan module.
The meeting also addressed U.S. President Joe Biden’s generous offer to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station in 2024. This proposal signifies a notable gesture of collaboration and mutual exploration in the field of space science. The ongoing dialogue and joint initiatives underscore the shared commitment of the U.S. and India to advancing space exploration for the benefit of both nations.
“The selection of astronaut is determined by ISRO. NASA will not make the selection,” Nelson said in an interaction with reporters here.
Nelson urged Singh to expedite the programme related to India’s first astronaut aboard a NASA rocket to the International Space Station.
NASA is identifying an opportunity in the private astronaut mission for Indian astronauts in 2024.
In response to an inquiry, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson expressed the United States’ readiness to collaborate with India in the development of a space station, contingent on India’s interest in such cooperation.
“We expect by that time to have a commercial space station. I think India wants to have a commercial space station by 2040. If India wants us to collaborate with them, of course, we will be available. But that’s up to India,” noted Nelson.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined ambitious goals for ISRO, directing efforts towards establishing an Indian space station by 2035 and achieving a lunar landing with astronauts by 2040.
The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite, with a cost of $1.5 billion (nearly Rs. 12,500 crore), is scheduled for launch aboard India’s GSLV rocket, showcasing the collaborative initiatives between NASA and ISRO in advancing space exploration.
Data from NISAR will be highly suitable for studying the land ecosystems, deformation of solid earth, mountain and polar cryosphere, sea ice, and coastal oceans on a regional to global scale.
ISRO has developed the S-band SAR which was integrated with NASA’s L-band SAR at JPL/NASA. The integrated L & S band SAR is currently undergoing testing with the satellite at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru with the participation of NASA/JPL officials.
According to an official statement, ISRO and NASA have formed a Joint Working Group (JWG) to collaborate on human spaceflight, exploring areas like radiation impact studies, micrometeorite, and orbital debris shield research, along with space health and medicine aspects. ISRO is also in discussions with prominent US industries such as Boeing, Blue Origin, and Voyager for specific cooperation and exploring joint initiatives with Indian commercial entities. A concept paper for the Implementing Arrangement is under consideration, with a mutually agreed-upon draft in the approval process.