UPSC Mains
GS Paper III
Science & Tech / Space
NASA’s Moon Base: What India Will Gain by Joining
India has received an invitation to join NASA’s Moon Base programme — a proposed permanent lunar research station near the Moon’s South Pole, built under the Artemis programme.
ARTEMIS ACCORDS SIGNATORIES
70+ countries
PROGRAMME PHASES
3 phases, from 2026 onwards
INDIA SIGNED ACCORDS
2023
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About the Programme
- Envisions a permanent research station on the Moon with a laboratory, mining zones, and robotic systems, built in three phases (from 2026 onwards).
- Anchored in the Artemis programme (US-led effort for sustained human presence on the Moon) and guided by the Artemis Accords — a non-binding framework of principles for peaceful and sustainable space exploration, signed by 70+ countries, including India (signed 2023).
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Potential Benefits for India
1. Technological
Boosts expertise in robotics, AI, communication, life-support systems and lunar science, with useful technologies for Earth.
2. Strategic
Strengthens India’s partnerships with the US and other space powers and enhances its role in global space diplomacy.
3. Economic
Creates opportunities for India’s private space sector in aerospace, robotics and space transportation.
4. Scientific
Provides access to a global lunar research network, complementing missions like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan.
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Concerns / Challenges
- High cost: the programme may be expensive and could divert resources from India’s own space missions.
- Strategic dependence: greater dependence on the US could affect India’s strategic autonomy.
- Geopolitical tensions: China and Russia’s lunar programme could increase competition and pressure India to choose sides.
- Legal issues: lunar resource mining raises questions under the Outer Space Treaty, 1967, which prohibits countries from claiming celestial bodies as their territory.
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Way Forward
Participate Selectively
While supporting Chandrayaan, Gaganyaan and Bharatiya Antariksha Station.
Maintain Strategic Autonomy
Work with different space partners, not just one bloc.
Strengthen Own Capacity
Use the programme to build India’s own technology and private space sector.
NASA’s Moon Base can help India advance its space capabilities and global partnerships. However, participation should strengthen self-reliance and strategic autonomy rather than creating dependence.
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Source: Indian Express
