In a major step forward in space cooperation between India and the United States, the United States announced that NASA will soon impart sophisticated training to the country’s astronauts. A mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has been planned, and a joint mission will be organized this year or next at the earliest.
The US ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, disclosed the news during the “US-India Trade & Investment Innovations” held in Bengaluru on Friday.
“Details and specifics, however, would be available soon when NASA would bestow specialized training to Indian astronauts in an endeavor to pave the way for a joint mission to the International Space Station this year or at the earliest next year”,
Garcetti added.
The technical session comprised top-level functionaries of the participants – ISRO Chairman Dr. S Somanath, NASA, officials from Industry and more.
If yanked, space cooperation squarely places increased pressure on the key space-innovating democracies, USIBC president Atul Keshap said in a statement, referring to the development as a new chapter in the relations between the two space partners.
The officials also focused on the NISAR satellite, which will involve collaboration between NASA and ISRO in Monitoring. They also discussed further cooperation in exploring space using Soyuz and other spacecraft and exploring the Martian surface through the Mars Rover.
The bilateral relationship between India and the US in the field of space has been gradually improving over time. In a recent development, both countries have identified some areas that may be of mutual concern for them.
