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Mahesh

24/06/23 07:29 AM IST

India joins Nasa's Artemis Accords

In News
  • During his state visit to the United States this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed the Artemis Accords with the nation's national space administration.
  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) have also agreed to launch a joint mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024.
Artemis Accords
  • The Artemis accord outlines the “principles for cooperation in space exploration and the use of the moon, mars, comets, and asteroids for peaceful purposes.
  • These principles are non-binding multilateral arrangements between the US government and other governments that wish to participate in NASA’s Artemis programme.
  • Nasa's Artemis program focuses on making new scientific discoveries and expanding the exploration of the lunar surface.
  • By studying the Moon, scientists hope to gain valuable insights and make discoveries that can contribute to advancements in various fields, including technology, medicine, and a better understanding of the workings of the entire universe.
  • One of its key goals is to land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon. This historic event will pave the way for greater diversity and inclusivity in space exploration.
  • The programme aims to land the first astronauts on Mars and eventually on other planets and celestial bodies.
  • The Artemis Accords also aims to create a foundation for peaceful and cooperative space exploration.
  • These agreements facilitate progress, ensuring that humanity can explore space while upholding ethical and responsible practices.
When were Artemis established?
  • Nasa, in collaboration with the US Department of State, established the Artemis Accords in 2020.
  • The accords are agreements between the United States and seven other founding member nations.
  • They reinforce the commitment to international space treaties and agreements, such as the Registration Convention and the Rescue and Return Agreement.
  • The accords emphasise best practices and norms that promote responsible behaviour, including the sharing of scientific data with the public.
Budget of Program
  • The US has allocated $7.9 billion toward deep space exploration programmes in the financial year 2024. Out of this, approximately $3.2 billion will go towards the Artemis program.
  • According to Ars Technica, around $41.5 billion will be spent on the Artemis program between the financial years 2024 and 2028, although it may not be sufficient due to the rising costs of equipment.
Why India Joined this mission?
  • India's decision to join the Artemis Accords highlights its dedication to global space cooperation and a keen interest in participating in lunar exploration missions.
  • By becoming a signatory, India can collaborate with other nations, including the United States, in future Moon missions.
  • This collaboration enables the sharing of knowledge and expertise, contributing to the advancement of scientific research, technological development, and the expansion of humanity's presence in space.
Other Nations of  the program
  • While Nasa is leading the Artemis program, the accords were signed by the directors of the national space agencies of the US, Australia, Canada, Japan, Luxembourg, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates in October 2020.
  • Ukraine signed the accord a month later.
  • The accords were extended to South Korea, New Zealand, Brazil, Poland, the Isle of Man, and Mexico in 2021.
  • In the following year, 2022, Israel, Romania, Bahrain, Singapore, Colombia, France, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, Nigeria, and the Czech Republic also joined the accords.
  • Spain, Ecuador, and now India have also signed on, making a total of 28 nations so far.
Source- Business Standard

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