US And India Strengthen Astronaut Flight Cooperation To ISS

Illustration of the meeting between the US and India discussing the space sector (photo: dock. Indian PM)

JAKARTA The US and Indian governments are following up on partnerships in the space sector. Through this strengthened cooperation, Indian astronauts will be trained and flown to the International Space Station (ISS). Reported by Spacenews, the White House released a Fact Sheet that discusses Critical and Development Technology (ICET) initiatives between the US and India. On the information sheet, the US government alluded to the preparation of the NASA partnership and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The White House praised the action, "the protection of the aircraft carrier for the first combined effort between NASA astronauts and ISRO on the International Space Station." Although it is not explained in detail, it seems that this effort refers to the statement released last year. The US government, through the official website of the US Embassy and Consulate in India, briefly explained that the US would train astronauts from India. This was done so that astronauts from the country could be flown into space in 2024. On the latest fact sheet, the government did not explain when the astronauts from India would be flown. They also did not explain what missions to fly Indian astronauts, how many astronauts would be trained, and who were trained.

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said in May that the mission would certainly run this year. Meanwhile, NASA's spokesperson explained that details for its flight are still in the final stages. If details of the flight have been completed, NASA will determine the schedule for the necessary flight missions and training modules. So far, the US and India have completed a Strategic Framework for Human Space Aviation Cooperation.