In August 2023, a delegation of NASA-JPL scientists reportedly visited the ISRO on the launch of the Chandrayaan-3 mission and was impressed with the sophisticated technologies developed by Indian space scientists at a very low cost. The ISRO chairman, S Somanath, later revealed during an event that NASA scientists had offered to buy the Chandrayaan-3 technology.
This significant development shows that NASA is now recognizing ISRO as a major player in the global space arena. Coincidently it’s also a time when NASA has been working and looking for advanced technology for its Artemis Program
ISRO has developed a number of impressive technologies in recent years, including:
- Launch vehicles: ISRO’s launch vehicles, such as the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk-III (LVM3) are known for their reliability and cost-effectiveness.
- Satellites: ISRO has developed a various number of satellites which are categorized as Earth observation satellites, communication satellites, and navigation satellites, Scientific Spacecraft, Experimental Satellites, Small Satellites, Student Satellites.
Some of the specific ISRO technologies that NASA is interested in include:
- Cryogenic engines: ISRO has developed cryogenic engines that are more efficient than traditional rocket engines.
- Lightweight materials: ISRO has developed lightweight materials that can be used to build spacecraft and launch vehicles.
- Low-cost manufacturing: ISRO has developed low-cost manufacturing techniques for spacecraft and launch vehicles.
The NASA-ISRO collaboration is a win-win for both agencies. NASA can benefit from ISRO’s advanced technologies, while ISRO can benefit from NASA’s expertise and resources.