In a ceremony recently held in Washington, D.C., the Republic of India became the 27th nation to sign the Artemis Accords demonstrating India’s commitment to sustainable and transparent space activity, as outlined by the non-legally binding principles of the accords.
During a news conference with President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Modi expressed enthusiasm for the India-U.S. partnership in space, with plans for advanced training of Indian astronauts by NASA. Both countries aim to develop a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation by the end of 2023.
The Artemis Accords are based on the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 and serve as a guide for sustainable civil space exploration. These principles encompass transparency, peaceful purposes, space object registration, and the release of scientific data. By adhering to these principles, the space environment becomes safer and more predictable, enabling nations, including those without space programs, to benefit from the scientific data obtained in space. The accords promote sharing scientific knowledge, ensuring the interoperability of space infrastructure, and other agreements.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson expressed gratitude for India’s leadership in signing the Artemis Accords, emphasizing the importance of peaceful and transparent space exploration. India’s involvement in the accords marks a significant milestone in bilateral space cooperation and highlights its commitment to the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space.
With India’s signing of the Artemis Accords, the global space community anticipates increased collaboration, knowledge sharing, and progress in sustainable space exploration endeavors.