Visit of US Ambassador to ISRO: Strengthening US-India Space Cooperation

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti praises ISRO’s achievements in space exploration

New Delhi: In a significant display of the growing collaboration between India and the United States in the field of space exploration, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti visited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru on Saturday. During his meeting with ISRO Chairman S Somanath, Garcetti expressed his admiration for ISRO’s accomplishments and its crucial role in global space exploration.

“The discussions highlighted both countries’ mutual interests and shared goals in advancing space science, technology, and the space economy. Ongoing associations through various Joint Working Groups, Artemis Accord, NISAR, and the use of the Laser Reflectometer Array on Chandrayaan-3 were also discussed,” ISRO said in a statement after the meeting.

The visit also saw the unveiling of a roadmap for increased collaboration in high-technology fields under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). Future programs, exchange visits of professionals, continuation of balloon experiments, and identifying milestone events were among the topics discussed as ISRO emphasized the need to address access to critical components and items to expedite collaborative missions.

ISRO detailed that other significant discussions included NASA’s participation in India’s proposal for a G-20 satellite for environment and climate change, advanced imaging spectrometer satellite as a follow-up mission for NISAR, and encouragement of cooperation between commercial companies from both countries for more effective outcomes.

“The US Ambassador has proposed a QUAD satellite. Chairman, ISRO pointed out the opportunity to develop advanced detectors and packaging technologies with US-India academic institutions. He emphasized building and standardizing docking interfaces across human space programs to enable the utilization of space platforms by other countries and joining hands to build a navigation system on the moon,” said ISRO.

Garcetti’s visit concluded with a commitment to further strengthen the partnership between India and the United States in the field of space. “Honored to meet ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath and team! From advancing NISAR satellite to fostering human spaceflight and promoting commercial space endeavors, the US-India Space commitment stands strong and is advancing our shared goals within the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET),” the US Ambassador posted on X.

The visit highlights the deepening cooperation between India and the US in the field of space exploration, paving the way for mutual advancements and achievements in the future.