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India, US deepen space ties after landmark ISS mission
India and the United States are stepping into a new chapter of space collaboration, and it’s not just about satellites anymore. A recent event at the Indian Embassy in Washington brought together scientists, diplomats, and astronauts to mark some major milestones—most notably, the launch of the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite and the Axiom Mission-4 that sent Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station.
Held at India House, the gathering was more than ceremonial. It highlighted how both countries are now working together on Moon and Mars missions, with plans that go well beyond data sharing. Ambassador Vinay Kwatra called the partnership a “dynamic platform” for pushing scientific and technological boundaries. NASA’s Dr. Karen St. Germain echoed that sentiment, saying the NISAR mission showed how international teamwork can speed up real breakthroughs.
Shukla’s journey to the ISS was historic. He became the first Indian astronaut to reach the space station and only the second Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission. His crew spent 18 days in orbit, conducting 60 experiments from 31 countries. Seven of those came from Indian researchers, and several were joint NASA-ISRO projects. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Shukla a symbol of the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians.
Meanwhile, the NISAR satellite—launched in July aboard India’s GSLV rocket—is already being called a game-changer. It’s designed to track changes on Earth’s surface every 12 days, helping with everything from climate monitoring to disaster response. At $1.3 billion, it’s one of the most ambitious joint missions between the two space agencies.
This growing partnership isn’t just about science. It’s also strategic. Analysts say both countries are looking to balance China’s expanding space program while opening doors for private companies. India’s space agency, ISRO, has built a reputation for doing big things on a budget, from the Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing to the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Nick Hague, and Butch Wilmore joined Shukla in a virtual panel called “Moments in Orbit,” where they talked about training, teamwork, and life aboard the ISS. Their stories added a personal touch to a partnership that’s quickly becoming one of the most important in global space exploration.
As India and the US look ahead to future missions to the Moon and Mars, this collaboration is no longer just symbolic. It’s practical, ambitious, and increasingly essential.
