India's Potential Benefits from Signing the Artemis Accords : Daily News Analysis

Date : 03/07/2023

Relevance: GS Paper 3: Science & Technology - Space program, GS Paper 2: International relations

Key Words: Outer Space treaty 1967, International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), International Space Station (ISS), Chandrayaan, Gaganyaan

Context -

India recently became the 27th signatory to the Artemis Accords, a set of non-binding guidelines that support the U.S.-led Artemis program for lunar exploration.
India has already ratified the Outer Space Treaty and the related international agreements that uphold the same ideals.

The Artemis Accords

The Artemis Accords, established in 2020 by the United States along with seven other founding nations, are a set of non-binding principles that reinforce obligations outlined in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
With 27 signatories to date, including India, these Accords serve as guidelines for international cooperation in civil space exploration, particularly in the context of the ambitious Artemis program aimed at lunar exploration.

Distinguishing Artemis from the Chinese-Russian Plan:

The Artemis program shares similarities with the Chinese-Russian plan for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).
However, the Artemis Accords were introduced as a soft-law alternative to the Moon Agreement, which restricts resource extraction from celestial bodies.
In the event of successful permanent settlement on the lunar surface, resource extraction is expected to be limited to the lunar soil.

Key Provisions and Benefits for India:

A notable provision in the Artemis Accords allows for the extraction and utilization of space resources, and aligns with its new space policy, which allows private players to engage in the mining of space resources.
By participating in the Accords, India gains access to information exchange and cooperation through NASA's Artemis program, which can significantly benefit India's own Gaganyaan mission.
Collaboration with NASA also opens avenues for joint research, technological exchange, and potential economic opportunities for Indian companies in the global space market.
Signing the Artemis Accords strengthens the bilateral space cooperation between India and the U.S., as demonstrated by the joint mission to the International Space Station (ISS) planned for 2024.
This creates opportunities for Indian industries to participate in the global space economy, driving economic growth, job creation, and research and development in the domestic space industry.
it enables India to tap into knowledge-sharing and collaboration opportunities with other signatories. Encouraging the involvement of India's private sector in cooperation with other Artemis members and developing legislation that supports space activities are essential steps to ensure India's active participation and maximize its gains from the Artemis Accords.
The Artemis program provides a platform for India to further strengthen its bilateral ties with the U.S. and unlock the country's immense potential in the realm of space exploration and research.

The Significance of the Artemis Accords:

The Artemis program encompasses various initiatives such as establishing a lunar base, deploying spacecraft for human and cargo transportation, launching an orbiting space station, and developing a satellite constellation for navigation and communication purposes.
By signing the Accords, India gains access to participate in the program, which offers both technological advancements and prestige on the global stage.

Understanding the International Legal Framework:

The Accords align with the existing framework of international space law, which is built upon four agreements established during the Space Race and Cold War era.
Notably, one provision of the Accords allows for the extraction and utilization of space resources, potentially conflicting with the Moon Agreement.
However, several countries, including Australia and France, have signed the Accords despite having previously signed the Moon Agreement. The ambiguity within both agreements enables legal interpretation to navigate these complexities effectively.

India's Shifting Attitude and Diplomatic Considerations:

India's hesitancy to sign the Accords earlier stemmed from its preference for legally binding instruments. However, recent developments in India's space sector, including the opening up of private participation and the allowance of commercial exploitation of space resources, have influenced a change in its diplomatic approach.
Moreover, improving ties between India and the U.S., coupled with the realization that a comprehensive international Moon law is unlikely in the current geopolitical climate, have further encouraged India to join the Accords.

Steps for India to Maximize Benefits:

While signing the Artemis Accords does not have immediate financial implications, India must take certain measures to become a significant player in the Artemis program.
Firstly, ISRO requires a substantial increase in its annual budget, which currently stands at around ₹12,500 crore.
Additionally, India needs to overcome domestic resistance to collaboration with other space agencies, facilitate private sector involvement with Artemis partners, and enact legislation that fosters space activities.

Conclusion:

By signing the Artemis Accords, India positions itself to reap substantial benefits from the U.S.-led Artemis program. To leverage these opportunities effectively, India must allocate greater financial resources to ISRO, foster collaboration with international space agencies, promote private sector participation, and develop supportive legislation. These proactive measures will enable India to make significant strides in lunar exploration and establish its presence as a key player in the global space community.

A Historical Overview of Moon Exploration and ISRO's Lunar Missions

Moon exploration has been a significant milestone in human space exploration, with the Soviet Union and the United States leading the way in the early years.

Early Lunar Missions:

Soviet Union's Luna Missions (1959): The Luna 1 and 2 missions in 1959 marked the first successful uncrewed missions to the Moon.
Apollo Program (1961-1972): The United States initiated the Apollo program to put humans on the Moon. The iconic Apollo 11 mission in July 1969 saw Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first humans to set foot on the lunar surface.

Resumption of Lunar Exploration:

Robotic Missions (1990): Following a gap in lunar exploration, the United States resumed its efforts with the robotic missions Clementine and Lunar Prospector in the 1990s.
Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and LCROSS (2009): In 2009, NASA launched the LRO and LCROSS missions, aiming to study the Moon's surface, gravity, and potential water presence.
ARTEMIS (2011): NASA initiated the ARTEMIS mission in 2011, repurposing two spacecraft from a previous mission to study the Moon's magnetosphere.
GRAIL (2012): The GRAIL mission involved two spacecraft that mapped the Moon's gravitational field, providing valuable insights into its interior structure.

International Lunar Missions:

Apart from the United States and the Soviet Union/Russia, several countries have sent missions to explore the Moon.
China: China's lunar exploration efforts include the successful landing of two rovers on the Moon, with the Chang'e missions, including the historic landing on the far side in 2019.
European Space Agency (ESA): The ESA has collaborated with various nations on lunar missions, including the SMART-1 mission that orbited the Moon and the upcoming Lunar Gateway project.
Japan: Japan's lunar exploration includes the SELENE (Kaguya) mission, which orbited the Moon and provided detailed data on its surface.

ISRO's Moon Exploration Efforts:

Chandrayaan-1 (2008): ISRO's first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, was conducted in collaboration with Russia. It confirmed the presence of lunar water and discovered evidence of lunar caves and tectonic activity.
Chandrayaan-2 (2019): India's second lunar mission consisted of an Orbiter, Lander (Vikram), and Rover (Pragyan). Although the Lander did not achieve a successful soft landing, the Orbiter continues to provide valuable data.
Chandrayaan-3 (Upcoming): ISRO has announced its third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, which will include a lander and rover, aiming to further explore the Moon's surface.

Probable questions for Mains Exam-

Discuss the significance of India signing the Artemis Accords in the context of its lunar exploration efforts and international relations. How can India maximize the benefits of participating in the U.S.-led Artemis program? (10 Marks, 150 Words)
Analyze the historical overview of moon exploration, including the contributions of various countries and their missions. Examine ISRO's lunar exploration efforts, highlighting the findings and future plans. How do these efforts contribute to India's position in the global space community? (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Source : The Hindu