US Ambassador to India Announces NASA Training for Indian Astronauts
In a significant development, the US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, has announced that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will soon commence training for Indian astronauts as part of a joint endeavor to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission aligns with the commitment made to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the US in 2023.
Ambassador Garcetti affirmed that the mission is on track, stating, “We promised when PM (Narendra) Modi came (to the US in 2023) that by the end of this year, we will do this and our mission is still on track to be able to go in space this year.”
Advanced Training and Joint Space Project
The advanced training for Indian astronauts is scheduled to begin this year or next, marking a significant step towards the joint effort to mount the ISS mission. Ambassador Garcetti, while speaking at the “US-India Commercial Space Conference: Unlocking Opportunities for US & Indian Space Startups” in Bangalore, lauded the efficiency of the Indian space agency, highlighting the cost-effective lunar mission, Chandrayan-3.
The joint space project between the US and India, known as NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), is an Earth-observing mission set to launch by the end of this year.
Potential Nuclear Reactor Projects
Ambassador Garcetti also touched upon the possibility of nuclear reactor projects in Mithi Virdhi, Gujarat, and Kovadda, Andhra Pradesh, after the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. However, he noted that concerns have been raised by the companies involved regarding the Civil Liability Nuclear Damage Act 2010.
This announcement underscores the deepening collaboration between the US and India in space exploration and underscores the commitment to fostering innovation and scientific advancement in both nations.
