Hindu Editorial Analysis : 26-June-2023

India’s recent acceptance of the Artemis Accords has garnered significant interest within the space community. The Artemis Accords are non-binding guidelines that underpin the ambitious U.S.-led Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the Moon permanently. This explores the background of the Artemis Accords, India’s position on the Moon Agreement, the significance of India’s acceptance, and the challenges it may face.

Background of the Artemis Accords

A. Overview of the Artemis Program – The Artemis program aims to establish a base on the lunar surface, develop spacecraft for human transportation, and launch a small orbiting space station called the ‘Lunar Gateway.’ – The program is named after Artemis, the Greek Goddess of the Moon.

B. Artemis Accords Signatories – 27 countries, including the USA as a founding member, have signed the Accords. – The Artemis program aligns with China’s plan for an ‘International Lunar Research Station’ (ILRS), which involves a permanent base and lunar satellite constellation.

Outer Space Treaties and the Moon Agreement

A. Overview of Outer Space Treaties – Five treaties govern activities in outer space, including the Outer Space Treaty. – The treaties cover various aspects, such as rescue of astronauts, registration of space objects, liability for damages, and the use of celestial bodies.

B. Moon Agreement – The Moon Agreement, established in 1979, focuses on the peaceful use of the Moon and other celestial bodies. – It prohibits the establishment of military bases or placement of weapons on celestial bodies. – The agreement considers the moon and other celestial bodies as the ‘province of all mankind’ or global commons. – It addresses resource exploitation and advocates for an international regime to ration these resources to states on Earth. – The agreement emphasizes the protection of the environment on celestial bodies.

India’s Position on the Moon Agreement
  • India is a signatory to the Moon Agreement but has not ratified it.
  • India’s acceptance of the Artemis Accords demonstrates its interest in the peaceful use of outer space and adherence to the principles outlined in the Moon Agreement.
Significance for India

A. Building Greater Relationships – India’s acceptance signals an interest in fostering a stronger relationship with NASA and its partners.

B. Gains from the Accords – India benefits from information exchange and access to NASA’s Artemis program, enhancing its own Gaganyaan mission. – The Accords align with the principle of sharing scientific findings and knowledge enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty.

C. Isolation of Russia’s Space Activities – India’s alignment with the Americans in the Artemis Accords may indicate a shift away from its previous partnership with Russia. – The collaboration between ISRO and NASA may lead to joint missions and potential Indian participation in the International Space Station (ISS).

Issues and Challenges

A. Informal Nature of the Accords – The Artemis Accords are informal guidelines, which may raise concerns for India, as it prefers formal laws for better compliance.

B. Shifting Away from Russia – India’s acceptance of the Accords may reflect a shift in its space policy due to geopolitical changes and Russia’s reduced activities after the fall of the Soviet Union.

Why In News

Recently, India’s acceptance of the Artemis Accords has sparked tremendous enthusiasm and anticipation among space enthusiasts and professionals alike, further solidifying the global significance of this landmark agreement. As the Indian space program embraces the Artemis Accords, it adds a new dimension to international collaboration and paves the way for exciting joint missions and breakthrough discoveries in the realm of space exploration.

MCQs about India’s Acceptance of the Artemis Accords

  1. Which international space program does the Artemis Accords support?
    A. International Space Station (ISS)
    B. Mars One Mission
    C. Artemis program
    D. Voyager Interstellar Mission
    Correct Answer: C. Artemis program
    Explanation: The Artemis Accords support the Artemis program, an ambitious U.S.-led project aimed at returning humans to the Moon permanently.
  2. Which treaty emphasizes the peaceful use of the Moon and other celestial bodies?
    A. Outer Space Treaty
    B. Rescue of Astronauts Treaty
    C. Moon Agreement
    D. Liability for Damages Treaty
    Correct Answer: C. Moon Agreement
    Explanation: The Moon Agreement, established in 1979, emphasizes the peaceful use of the Moon and other celestial bodies, prohibiting the establishment of military bases or placement of weapons.
  3. What is the primary significance of India’s acceptance of the Artemis Accords?
    A. Strengthening relations with Russia in space exploration
    B. Access to NASA’s Artemis program
    C. Establishing a permanent base on the Moon
    D. Supporting China’s International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) plan
    Correct Answer: B. Access to NASA’s Artemis program
    Explanation: India’s acceptance of the Artemis Accords grants access to NASA’s Artemis program, providing opportunities for collaboration and benefiting India’s own space missions.
  4. Why does India prefer formal laws over informal guidelines in the international space system?
    A. Formal laws ensure better compliance among countries
    B. Informal guidelines provide more flexibility for space activities
    C. Formal laws are easier to negotiate and establish
    D. Informal guidelines are not recognized by major space-faring nations
    Correct Answer: A. Formal laws ensure better compliance among countries
    Explanation: India prefers formal laws because they provide clear guidelines and obligations, promoting better compliance among participating countries in the international space system.

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