INDIA AND USA RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN SPACE COLLABORATION

NASA built two instruments that were included in ISRO's Chandrayaan-1 lunar mission, and one instrument on Chandrayaan-2. The two agencies also began work on the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) earth observation satellite.

- Peter Martinson

The United States has not always been India's friend in the space sector, but recent events demonstrate the two countries are on the path to true partnership in the exploration of the cosmos. With its medium-lift launch capabilities well established, and a domestic human spaceflight program on the verge of sending Indian astronauts into space, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is now a major international space power. Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi's very successful late June state visit to Washington opened the door wide to unprecedented collaboration on many key areas of advanced technology, especially in the area of space exploration. While the geopolitical implications of this visit with regard to China and Russia cannot be ignored, the transformation of the ISRO-NASA relationship from one of antagonism to one of enthusiastic partnership should give all people hope that human progress can unite the world for each others' benefit.

What follows is a short review of the relationship between the two nations' space agencies in past decades, how this differs from current trends, and what to watch for in the future.

USA Friend or Foe?