Context:

Recently, India became the 27th country to sign the Artemis Accords, a nonbinding set of guidelines underpinning the ambitious U.S.-led project to return humans to the Moon permanently.

About  Artemis Accords:

• It establishes a set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation among nations, including those participating in NASA’s Artemis program.
  • The Artemis Program is an ambitious U.S.-led  project to return humans to the Moon permanently, with bases, spacecraft, and a satellite constellation.
• NASA & Partners:  NASA is not working alone in this project but with its partners, including India. It provides unique opportunities for research and collaboration. 
• A New Era in Space Exploration: The Artemis Program could herald a new era in space exploration, one where a permanent human presence on the Moon is possible. 

Origin of the Artemis Accords 

• About: The United States was instrumental in the drafting of the Moon Agreement but refused to ratify it. This led to an executive order being issued to utilize opportunities to make use of resources from outer space. 
• Artemis Program: An informal set of guidelines or norms created as an alternative to the Moon Agreement. A total of 27 countries, including India, have signed the Accords with access to NASA’s Artemis program. 
  • Founding members: Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the US.
• Building Relationships: India’s acceptance of the Artemis Accords signaled its interest in building a greater relationship with NASA and its partners. 

Significance for India:

• Information Exchange: India gains greatly from the exchange of information and acquires access to NASA’s Artemis program, bringing knowledge and resources.
• Enshrined in Article XI: India’s acceptance of the Accords is rooted in the principle of sharing scientific findings and knowledge enshrined in Article XI of the Outer Space Treaty. 
• Reduction of dependence on Russia: The acceptance of the Accords indicates a shift away from Russia after the decrease in Russian activities post-Soviet era. 
• Strengthening of Relationships: Collaboration of India with member countries would deepen.

Challenges in Accepting Accords:

• Informal Set of Guidelines: The Anemic Accords were not legally binding. India prefers formal laws over informal guidelines. 
• India’s Shifting Away from Russia: There is a possibility that India is shifting away from Russia. The years to come will show the value of this action. 
• Space Resources: The Moon Agreement sets guidelines for resource exploitation. India’s acceptance of the Artemis Accords implies that it is overlooking the Moon Treaty. 

Way Forward:

• Education: India should focus on providing education in the field of space science and technology. 
• Students Engagement and Awareness: There is a need to promote awareness and scientific curiosity among students.
• Investment: The time is for investments in research and development to make out its space capabilities. 
• Maintain Balance: India’s signing of the Artemis Accords signifies its commitment to advancing space exploration by collaborating with international partners. India on this new journey must maintain its relationships with historical partner Russia.
  • India needs to strike a careful and delicate balance and position itself as a key player in the global space era.

News Source: Indian Express