The United States has invited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to join its planned Moon Base programme, in a move aimed at deepening cooperation between India and the US in civil and commercial space activities. The invitation was extended by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under the framework of the Artemis Accords, according to the US Embassy. The two countries have also agreed to advance discussions on cooperation in open scientific data sharing, adding another area to their expanding space partnership.
The proposed cooperation is part of broader discussions between the two countries on future space exploration, scientific research and human spaceflight technologies. NASA is developing plans for a Moon Base near the lunar South Pole as part of its wider efforts to strengthen US leadership in lunar exploration. The programme is also intended to support scientific discovery, encourage innovation involving industry and international partners, and help develop capabilities that could eventually be used for crewed missions to Mars.
India’s participation in the Artemis framework provides a foundation for expanding cooperation with the US on lunar exploration and other areas of civil space activity. India became the 27th country to sign the Artemis Accords on June 21, 2023. The accords are designed to establish principles for cooperation in the civil exploration and use of outer space, including activities involving the Moon and other celestial bodies. The framework seeks to encourage peaceful exploration, scientific collaboration and responsible conduct among participating nations.
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The latest discussions were held during the ninth meeting of the India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group, or CSJWG, hosted by India on August 5 and 6 at the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru. The meeting brought officials and representatives from the two countries together to examine areas where bilateral cooperation in space could be expanded. The discussions covered civil and commercial space cooperation, as well as potential partnerships involving future scientific missions and human spaceflight technologies.
The two sides also agreed to continue discussions on the sharing of open scientific data under the Artemis Accords. Greater access to scientific information from space missions can support research by institutions and scientists across participating countries and potentially contribute to a broader understanding of the Moon and other aspects of the space environment. For India and the US, cooperation in this area could complement existing programmes while creating opportunities for researchers and space agencies to work together on future scientific objectives.
The proposed invitation to ISRO comes as India and the US continue to expand their strategic relationship in the space sector. India has developed significant capabilities in satellite launches, lunar exploration and space technology, while NASA has extensive experience in deep-space exploration, human spaceflight and scientific missions. Bringing these capabilities together could create opportunities for joint research, technology development and participation in larger international lunar initiatives. The discussions also reflect the growing importance of commercial companies and international partnerships in advancing space exploration.
The Moon Base programme is closely connected to the longer-term objective of establishing a sustained human presence around the lunar environment and using the Moon as a platform for future exploration. NASA’s focus on the lunar South Pole is linked to the scientific and strategic interest in the region, including its potential resources and suitability for future missions. For ISRO, participation in a broader international effort under the Artemis framework could provide another avenue to contribute to lunar science and exploration while strengthening cooperation with the US.
The latest India-US talks therefore mark another step in the development of bilateral space cooperation. Beyond the proposed Moon Base participation, the two countries are pursuing collaboration in civil and commercial space activities, open scientific data and future human spaceflight technologies. With India already a signatory to the Artemis Accords, the invitation from NASA could further expand ISRO’s role in international lunar exploration efforts. The two sides are expected to continue discussions on the specific areas and mechanisms through which the partnership can be advanced.
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