The imminent provision of advanced training by NASA to Indian astronauts, aiming for a collaborative effort to reach the International Space Station, was highlighted by Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India, during his speech at the "US-India Commercial Space Conference: Unlocking Opportunities for US & Indian Space Startups," This event, organized by the US-India Business Council (USIBC) and the US Commercial Service (USCS) in Bangalore, served as a platform for emphasizing the burgeoning cooperation between the two nations in space exploration.
Garcetti reiterated the commitment to launch a joint effort to the International Space Station, aligning with promises made during bilateral leadership visits. Additionally, plans to launch the NISAR satellite from ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Center to monitor various resources were underscored.
“NASA will soon provide advanced training to Indian astronauts, with the goal of mounting a joint effort to the International Space Station, hopefully, this year or shortly thereafter, which was one of the promises of our leaders' visit together. And soon we will launch the NISAR satellite from ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Center to monitor all resources, including ecosystems, the Earth's surface, natural hazards, sea level rise, and the cryosphere,” Garcetti said
He emphasized the collaborative nature of space exploration, referencing initiatives like the Artemis Accord, and the potential for startups in the sector to generate employment opportunities and prosperity for both Indian and American communities.
“You see whether it's the pursuit of peace and the peaceful use of space, things like the Artemis Accord, we are hand in hand, arm in arm. When it comes to prosperity and jobs, which is a big part of this conference today, it can be produced by startups in this sector, good-paying, high-tech jobs for Indians and for Americans. Space is right there,” Garcetti said.
The event, attended by senior officials from the US and Indian governments, including ISRO Chairman Dr. Somanath. S, representatives from NASA, NOAA, and the Government of India, as well as leaders from the commercial space industry, highlighted the strengthening ties between the two nations in critical technologies, particularly in the space sector.
Dr. Somanath commended the visionary leadership of both nations in engaging in collaborative efforts for sustainable space exploration. He noted the growing connection between Indian and US partners in critical technologies, expressing optimism about the future of collaboration in the space sector.
“I must salute the visionary leadership that we have in both nations in India and the US for engaging in such an accord which looks at the moon as a sustainable place for all of us to come and work together,” Somnath said in his remarks.
“The connection between the Indian partners and also the US partners in critical technologies and specifically in the space sector is really becoming stronger. And I’m very happy about that type of engagement and the options available to the industries and the US business indigenous to connect with India in the emerging space sector as well,” he said.
Atul Keshap, President of USIBC, described the conference as a significant milestone in US-India space partnership, emphasizing the potential for extraordinary achievements through strategic alliances and collaborative efforts.
“The conference highlights the deepening synergy between our two free nations in pioneering space exploration and innovation by the leading democracies. Through strategic alliances and collaborative efforts, we're on the brink of achieving extraordinary milestones and expanding the horizons of space exploration beyond what we once imagined," Keshap said.
Alexander Slater, Managing Director of USIBC, highlighted the importance of fostering strategic partnerships to drive innovation and propel the space industry forward, echoing the sentiment of the conference in promoting economic growth, job creation, and technological leadership through bilateral cooperation.
“This is the next step in USIBC’s continued commitment to fostering bilateral cooperation among leading companies and startups from both countries to unlock new opportunities for economic growth, job creation and technological leadership. It builds on our work in February when we hosted the second edition of INDUS-X in New Delhi, which promoted similar opportunities for innovation and cooperation in new and emerging defence technologies,” he said.
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