India, US Working for Training ISRO Astronauts at NASA’s Johnson Space Center

In a significant step towards deepening space collaboration, India and the United States have concluded the Strategic Framework for Human Spaceflight Cooperation, marking a pivotal moment in their bilateral space relations. This agreement is set to enhance interoperability in space endeavors and pave the way for advanced training of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronauts at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

The announcement came following the recent iCET Dialogue, where US National Security Adviser (NSA) Jake Sullivan and Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval engaged in extensive discussions. A joint fact-sheet released post-dialogue highlighted multiple areas of potential cooperation, notably India’s potential participation in the Lunar Gateway Programme.

Lunar Gateway Programme Collaboration

The Lunar Gateway Programme, a key component of the Artemis programme led by the US, aims to establish a space station orbiting the moon. This initiative not only seeks to bolster lunar exploration but also to serve as a staging point for future missions to Mars. The talks explored how India could contribute to and benefit from this ambitious programme, fostering a new era of lunar exploration.

Joint Human Spaceflight Mission

The two NSAs also deliberated on the prospects of a historic joint human spaceflight mission. This mission would involve NASA and ISRO astronauts working together on the International Space Station (ISS), symbolizing a landmark achievement in India-US space collaboration. This joint effort is expected to enhance scientific research and technological advancements in space.

 Strengthening Defence Space Cooperation

Both nations are committed to strengthening their defence space cooperation, as evidenced by the second Advanced Domains Defense Dialogue held at the Pentagon in May. This dialogue featured a space table-top exercise and included bilateral expert exchanges on emerging domains such as artificial intelligence. These efforts are aimed at fortifying the strategic space capabilities of both countries.

NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)

Another notable project under this partnership is the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), a jointly developed satellite. This satellite will have the capability to map the entire Earth’s surface twice every 12 days, providing critical data for combating climate change and addressing other global challenges. The NISAR mission underscores the commitment of both nations to leveraging space technology for sustainable development.

Collaboration with Indian Startups

The iCET Dialogue also facilitated the launch of a new partnership between the US Space Force and Indian startups, 114ai and 3rdiTech. This collaboration focuses on advancing space situational awareness, data fusion technologies, and infrared sensor semiconductor manufacturing. Such initiatives are expected to bolster the space technology ecosystem in both countries.

Global Sentinel Exercise

The US and India also acknowledged India's observation of the US Space Command’s Global Sentinel Exercise at Vandenberg Space Force Base in February and welcomed its participation in the exercise in 2025. This exercise is crucial for improving global space situational awareness and enhancing international cooperation in space security.