NASA to Provide Advanced Training for Indian Astronauts: US Ambassador Eric Garcetti

US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, announced that NASA will soon offer advanced training to Indian astronauts. This initiative aims to prepare them for a joint mission to the reInternational Space Station (ISS) either later this year or shortly thereafter.

Speaking at the "US-India Commercial Space Conference: Unlocking Opportunities for US and Indian Space Startups" in Bengaluru, organized by the US-India Business Council (USIBC) and the US Commercial Service (USCS), Garcetti emphasized the strengthening collaboration between the two nations in space exploration.

"NASA will soon provide advanced training to Indian astronauts, to enhance joint efforts for the ISS. This initiative is expected to materialize this year or soon after, fulfilling the promises made during our leaders' meetings," Garcetti stated, according to a press release by USIBC. He also highlighted the upcoming launch of the NISAR satellite from ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This satellite, a joint Earth-observation mission by NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), will monitor ecosystems, natural hazards, sea-level rise, and the cryosphere.

Garcetti remarked, "Whether it’s the pursuit of peace or the peaceful use of space, initiatives like the Artemis Accords show our commitment. This collaboration can create high-tech, well-paying jobs for both Indians and Americans, significantly benefiting startups in this sector."

The Artemis Accords, an international agreement led by NASA, provide a framework for safe lunar exploration and beyond. The day-long event in Bengaluru saw participation from senior officials of both the US and Indian governments, including ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath, representatives from NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and key leaders from the commercial space industry, venture capitalists, and market analysts.

Garcetti concluded, "Space is the next frontier. The Artemis Accords have laid the foundation for cooperative exploration of the Moon and beyond. This conference has highlighted the vast potential for creating high-tech jobs and fostering innovation through US-India space collaboration."