Artemis Accord signing – A Game Changer in Space Exploration – S. Somanath, Chairman ISRO

Bangalore, July 4. The Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman S. Somanath sharing his views on signing of Artemis Accords believes that it is an opportunity for Indian industries that are working in the space sector to work with the US companies.

“We are looking at Artemis Accord as a political engagement with the US. It is a statement of Intent that when the US is proposing collaborative work in the space sector, especially the exploration of outer planets in a very cordial atmosphere between different nations, we agree with that,” the ISRO Chief said.

So it has a big statement. We would like to work with the US, especially on technologies which are high-end and space is one of them. It will open opportunities for Indian industries who are working in the space sector to work with the US companies that are equally working in the space sector,” he mentioned.

“So the advancement of electronics, new processors, the centre takes place in the US and this access to this new technology to the Indian company is so important to innovate and bring up value which will give an opportunity to market them in the US market, Somanath said.

This is precisely the objective of the US. We would like to make sure the Indian companies contribute to the US space program.

The earlier the US sees it as an opportunity because Indian companies have the technological strength today, they have cost-effectiveness and they have a lower development cycle time which they want to bank on.

So it is the purpose that it is jointly developed this whole accord signing is for the benefit of the US as well as the benefit of India,” he added.

India became the 27th country on June 21 to sign the Artemis Accords, opening up fresh co-operation between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in space exploration.

India’s joining the Artemis Accords is just part of an expanded space cooperation regime between it and the United States. An Indian astronaut will, in short order, visit the International Space Station. India will gain expanded access to NASA technology.

The Artemis Accords establish a practical set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation among nations, including those participating in NASA’s Artemis program.