NASA is poised to administer advanced instruction to Indian cosmonauts, aiming for a collaborative endeavor to the International Space Station, as indicated by a prominent American envoy on Friday.
The US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, has suggested the formation of a “QUAD satellite” entailing collaboration between India and the US. During his official visit to Bengaluru on Friday, he toured the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters and conferred with Chairman S Somanath, exploring the ongoing collaboration between India and the US in space exploration.
In an official proclamation, the space agency revealed that the US Ambassador proposed the conception of a “QUAD satellite.” In the course of the meeting, the ISRO chairman highlighted the prospect of developing sophisticated sensors and packaging technologies with academic institutions in the US and India.
Furthermore, he underscored the significance of establishing and standardizing docking interfaces across human space endeavors to facilitate the utilization of space platforms by other nations, as well as collaborating to construct a lunar navigation system, whether in orbit or on the lunar surface.
Addressing ‘X,’ Garcetti shared his sentiments on Saturday, expressing his esteem for the encounter with the ISRO Chairman and affirming their dedication to fortifying the partnership between India and the United States in the realm of space exploration.
“Privileged to meet ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath and team! From advancing NISAR satellite to nurturing human spaceflight and fostering commercial space initiatives, the USIndiaSpace alliance remains robust and is advancing our shared objectives within the USIndia Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology,” he remarked.
According to ISRO, the ensuing dialogues underscored the mutual interests and shared aspirations of both nations in advancing space science, technology, and the space economy.
Ongoing collaborations through various Joint Working Groups, Artemis Accord, NISAR, and the employment of the Laser Reflectometer Array on Chandrayaan-3 were also topics of discussion. Garcetti also sought information on the role of the Department of Space in fostering commercial space ventures.
Chairman Somanath elaborated on this, indicating that for the first time, payload technology and space-bound hardware are being fabricated in Indian facilities outside of ISRO laboratories. ISRO intends to procure payloads and satellites for its missions from Indian enterprises and enable their entry into the global market.
Other discussions encompassed NASA’s involvement in India’s proposal for a G-20 satellite for environmental and climate studies, as well as the encouragement of collaboration between commercial enterprises from both countries for swifter and more efficacious outcomes, with the Gaganyaan cargo module being considered for the transfer of cargo to the ISS.
The Ambassador conveyed his admiration for ISRO’s achievements and its role in global space exploration. The meeting also touched upon forthcoming initiatives, including reciprocal visits of professionals from both sides, the continuation of balloon experiments, and the identification of significant milestones.