India joins Artemis Accords

(Mains GS - 2 : Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.)

Context:

• India has decided to join the Artemis Accords, which brings like-minded countries together on civil space exploration, and NASA and ISRO have agreed to a joint mission to the International Space Station in 2024.

International cooperation:

• It is an American-led effort to return humans to the moon by 2025, with the ultimate goal of expanding space exploration to Mars and beyond.
• International cooperation in space travel has been a crucial element of the accomplishments NASA has made throughout its history, and the Agency’s Artemis program depends on this cooperation.
• By the end of 2025, the Artemis campaign hopes to put people on the moon, with crewed flights to Mars following in the 2030s.
• The Artemis Accords, a non-binding international pact founded on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, serve as a roadmap for civil space research and sustainable utilization.

The Artemis Accords:

• The Artemis Accords lay out guidelines for cooperation between civil space agencies and governance regarding the use of space, including the Moon, Mars, comets, and asteroids, to improve operational safety, lessen the uncertainty, and support its beneficial and sustainable use for peaceful purposes.
• The Artemis Accords place a strong emphasis on global cooperation. Participating nations are urged to work together by exchanging information, materials, and scientific data. This advances science and ensures that everyone gains from lunar exploration.
• The Accords were initially signed on October 13, 2020, by the United States, Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. India becomes the agreement’s 27th signatory in June 2023.

Benefit to India:

• Technological Collaboration: Participation in the Artemis program would offer opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and technology transfer between Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA. 
• Scientific Research: India's participation would provide its scientists and researchers with access to lunar samples and data, enabling them to contribute to scientific discoveries related to the Moon's geology, resources, and potential for future human settlements.
• Space Industry Growth: Involvement in the development of technologies, such as lunar landers, habitats, and rovers, could enhance India's capabilities and competitiveness in the global space sector.
• International Relations: Enhanced international relations could bring diplomatic, economic, and strategic advantages to India.
• Inspiring the Next Generation: Involvement in the Artemis program would inspire and motivate Indian students and aspiring scientists to pursue careers in space exploration and related fields.

Conclusion:

• India will have to increase its budget for space, overcome domestic resistance to collaboration with other space agencies, enable its private sector to work with other Artemis members, and develop legislation that encourages space activities.