Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has expressed a willingness to collaborate with India on its ambitious space initiatives, particularly the goal of sending an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS).
Bill Nelson, who is currently in India on week-long trip, emphasised the ongoing plans to send an Indian astronaut to the ISS by the end of 2024, highlighting the growing space partnership between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The collaboration between NASA and ISRO is part of a broader strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation. ISRO will determine the selection of the Indian astronaut for the ISS mission, aligning with India's specific criteria and aspirations for its space program.
Bill Nelson's visit underscores the deepening ties in space exploration between the United States and India. The NASA Administrator also met India's Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh and engaged with business leaders in Mumbai.
As part of his visit, Bill Nelson is scheduled to visit ISRO headquarters in Bangalore, where he will meet with Rakesh Sharma, India's first astronaut who ventured into space.
Bill Nelson will also visit the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar System) spacecraft facilities, where he will witness the progress of the joint NASA-ISRO Earth-observing mission. NISAR, set to launch in 2024, will provide critical data on Earth's ecosystems, natural hazards, and climate change.
The United States has also indicated its readiness to support India's goal of building a commercial space station by 2040, if India seeks collaboration.
India has set ambitious goals for establishing its own space station, named the 'Bharatiya Antariksha Station,' by 2035. India also aims to achieve a manned lunar landing by 2040, demonstrating the nation's commitment to space exploration.
India's space program has evolved significantly since the launch of its first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975. With a vast constellation of active communication and Earth imaging satellites, India is poised for substantial progress in space exploration. Bill Nelson in a tweet on his arrival on Tuesday said that India is a leader in space and he looks forward for a productive visit.