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NASA and ISRO Anticipate Deeper Collaboration in Space Exploration
NASA and India’s space agency, ISRO, already work together on important space projects.
One project, called NISAR, studies how Earth is changing.
NASA official Amit Kshatriya said the two agencies want to cooperate even more.
He said countries should explore space using shared rules and values.
India has also joined the Artemis Accords, which guide peaceful civil space exploration.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla recently flew to the International Space Station as part of Axiom Mission 4.
Peggy Whitson, the mission’s commander, said she was proud of him.
Former NASA leader Charles Bolden also praised India’s successful Mars mission.
NASA official Amit Kshatriya described the agency’s partnership with ISRO as “incredible” and said more cooperation is expected.
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar mission launched in July 2025 to study changes in Earth’s land, ice, water, and vegetation.
Kshatriya emphasized international cooperation, shared standards, and India’s participation in the Artemis Accords.
Peggy Whitson praised Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who piloted Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station.
Former NASA Administrator Charles Bolden highlighted India’s successful first-attempt Mars mission and NASA’s navigation support.
- Who
- NASA, the Indian Space Research Organisation, Amit Kshatriya, Peggy Whitson, Charles Bolden, and Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla.
- What
- NASA and ISRO are expected to expand cooperation in Earth science, human spaceflight, Mars exploration, and related missions.
- Where
- The remarks were made at the Intrepid Museum in New York City; the missions involved Earth orbit, the International Space Station, and Mars.
- When
- The comments were made in 2025; NISAR launched in July 2025 and Axiom Mission 4 launched in June 2025.
- Why
- The officials cited the value of shared space capabilities, international cooperation, common exploration standards, and scientific research.
Key facts
- NASA official
- Amit Kshatriya, NASA’s Associate Administrator and Chief Engineer, described cooperation with ISRO as “incredible.”
- Key joint mission
- NISAR is a NASA-ISRO Earth-sensing orbiter launched in July 2025.
- NISAR purpose
- The mission measures changes in Earth’s land, ice, water, and vegetation.
- Artemis Accords
- India has signed the non-legally binding principles for civil space exploration along with more than 70 other nations.
- Axiom Mission 4
- Launched in June 2025, the mission included Peggy Whitson as commander and Shubhanshu Shukla as pilot.
- Mars mission
- India’s Mars Orbiter Mission launched in November 2013 and reached Mars orbit on its first attempt.
- Space-station stay
- The Axiom Mission 4 crew docked with the International Space Station for 18 days of research activities.
Quotes
Charles F. Bolden Jr.
Former NASA Administrator and astronaut
“It's important...for America to be the leader there, but we want to lead with our values. It's not just about who has the most machines there. It's about our norms and standards for exploration”
deccanchronicle.com
“All you need to do is look at who was the first nation to reach Mars on their first attempt. And the answer to that is the Indians.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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