In an official visit to Bengaluru, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti suggested the creation of a "QUAD satellite" through collaboration between India and the US. He visited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters and held discussions with Chairman S Somanath regarding the ongoing cooperation between the two countries in the field of space.

In a statement, the space agency disclosed that the US Ambassador had put forward the proposal for the development of a "QUAD satellite".

During the meeting, ISRO Chairman S Somanath highlighted the potential for developing advanced detectors and packaging technologies in collaboration with US-India academic institutions.

He also stressed the importance of standardising docking interfaces across human space programmes to enable other countries to utilise space platforms. Additionally, he proposed joint efforts to build a navigation system on the moon, either in orbit or on the surface.

US Ambassador Eric Garcetti took to 'X' to express his honour at meeting ISRO Chairman S Somanath. He highlighted their commitment to strengthening the India-US partnership in space exploration. "Honoured to meet ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath and team! From advancing the NISAR satellite to fostering human spaceflight and promoting commercial space endeavours, the US-India space commitment stands strong and advances our shared goals within the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology," Garcetti said.

According to ISRO, the discussions emphasised the mutual interests and shared goals of India and the US in advancing space science, technology, and the space economy. The talks covered ongoing collaborations through various Joint Working Groups, the Artemis Accord, NISAR, and the use of the Laser Reflectometer Array on Chandrayaan-3.

Garcetti also inquired about the Department of Space's role in fostering commercial space activities. Chairman S Somanath explained that, for the first time, payload technology and space-bound hardware are being developed in Indian facilities outside ISRO labs.

ISRO plans to source payloads and satellites for its programmes from Indian companies, aiming to help them enter the global market. The discussions also covered NASA's potential participation in India's proposal for a G-20 satellite focused on environment and climate change, as well as encouraging cooperation between commercial companies from both countries for quicker and more effective outcomes.

Additionally, the talks included the Gaganyaan cargo module as an option for transferring cargo to the ISS.

The US Ambassador expressed his admiration for ISRO's accomplishments and its role in global space exploration. The meeting also addressed future programmes, including exchange visits of professionals from both sides, continuation of balloon experiments, and identifying key milestone events.

Image source: The Hindu