NASA-ISRO Cooperation, Artemis Accords & Lunar Exploration

UPSC Reference Category: Science & Technology

Why in News?

NASA has invited ISRO to join its Moon Base programme as part of expanding India-US civil-space cooperation. The invitation was discussed during the 9th India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting held in August 2026.

Key Facts

  • The cooperation builds upon the Artemis Accords.

  • India and the US are expanding cooperation in:

    • Lunar exploration

    • Human spaceflight technologies

    • Scientific data sharing

    • Commercial space activities

  • ISRO and NASA are already partners in the NISAR mission.

  • The broader objective is sustainable and peaceful exploration of the Moon.

Key Pointer

Moon Base Programme → NASA → ISRO → Artemis Accords → Lunar exploration