Why in news? India signs Artemis Accords

Highlights:

SIGNIFICANCE FOR INDIA

• India opens up opportunities for enhanced collaboration with other signatories
• Collaboration can involve sharing of data, technology, and resources
• Access to Advanced Technologies which can significantly contribute to India’s efforts in areas such as human missions, moon landings, planetary explorations, and the establishment of a space station
• Raises India’s profile and establishes it as a significant player in the global space arena
• Enable India to leapfrog and benefit from technological advancements achieved by countries like the US, Russia, and
• Strengthening National Space Capabilities

CONCERNS

• Balance with Russia
• Overreliance on External Technologies
• Potential Loss of Autonomy
• Unequal Benefits and Power Dynamics
• Impact on Domestic Development Priorities

ARTEMIS PROGRAM

• Includes plans for a base on the lunar surface, multiple spacecraft to ferry humans and cargo, an orbiting space station, and a constellation of satellites to help with navigation and communication
• First Artemis crewed mission – 2026
• Will take the first woman, and the “first person of colour”, to the moon