An Indian astronaut is expected to be aboard the International Space Station (ISS) by the end of the next year, according to a NASA administrator who was in India.
Increasing cooperation, Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Bill Nelson stated on Tuesday that the United States was willing to assist India in constructing its own space station.
When Nelson was in India, he stated that the United States and India were preparing to launch an Indian astronaut to the space station by the end of the following year. In addition, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is scheduled to launch NISAR, a cutting-edge joint venture satellite with NASA, in the first quarter of 2024.
Here, Nelson met with Jitendra Singh, the Minister of Science and Technology, to explore stepping up bilateral space collaboration between the two nations.
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According to a science and technology ministry statement, "ISRO is also exploring the feasibility of using NASA's Hypervelocity Hit Test (HVIT) facility for testing Gaganyaan modules Micrometeoroid or orbital debris (MMOD) protection shields."
The invitation made by US President Joe Biden to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station in 2024 was also discussed by the two leaders during their discussion.
The astronaut chosen is decided by ISRO. In an interview with reporters here, Nelson stated that NASA will not be making the decision.
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Nelson pushed Singh to move up the schedule for the launch of India's first astronaut to the International Space Station on a NASA rocket.
NASA sees a 2024 private astronaut mission as a potential possibility for Indian astronauts.
In answer to a query, he stated that if India wanted to work with the US to build the space station, that cooperation would be available.
"We hope to have an e-commerce station by then. By 2040, I believe India aims to launch a commercial space station. Naturally, we will be available to work with India if that is what they would like. However, that is up to India "added Nelson.
The goal set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ISRO is to put men on the moon by 2040 and construct an Indian space station by 2035.
NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), which was built for over Rs. 12,500 crore (about $1.5 billion), is intended to be launched onboard India's GSLV rocket.
Studying terrestrial ecosystems, solid earth deformation, sea ice, mountain and polar cryosphere, and coastal waters on a regional to global scale will be made much easier with the use of NISAR data.
The S-band SAR, created by ISRO, was combined with NASA's L-band SAR at JPL/NASA. Officials from NASA and JPL are currently testing the integrated L and S band SAR with the satellite at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru.
The Joint Working Group (JWG) on Human Spaceflight Cooperation was established by ISRO and NASA, according to an official release. The group is investigating ways to work together on radiation effect research, micrometeorite and orbital debris shield investigations, as well as space health and medical issues.
In addition, ISRO is in talks about certain areas of cooperation with well-known US companies (such as Boeing, Blue Origin, and Voyager) and is looking into joint ventures with Indian businesses.
NASA and ISRO are debating a concept paper on the Operational Arrangement. According to the official statement, after a few revisions, both parties produced a draft that they could both agree on. This version is now being processed for internal government clearances.
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