How India’s lunar landing shapes the future of space exploration, geopolitics

Subject: Science and technology

Section: Space technology

India’s Lunar Landing and the Artemis Accord:

India’s successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 near the lunar south pole.
Joining the Artemis Accord in June 2023 does not restrict India from advancing its space ambitions. There are no such restrictions in the accord.
Specifics about ISRO’s engagement in Artemis and cooperation agreements are not available in the public domain yet.

The Future of Space Exploration:

The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 governs space exploration and use, including lunar activities.
Scientific missions aim to identify mineral resources on the Moon before considering commercial mining operations.
Key questions include resource processing on the Moon, demand in terrestrial markets, investment requirements, and return on investment.

Artemis Accord vs. China-Russia’s ILRS Project:

China and Russia announced the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project, which aims to establish a lunar base near the south pole of the Moon.
There is limited information about China’s and Russia’s views on space resource utilization.

Mineral Exploration Without Appropriation:

The Outer Space Treaty prohibits national appropriation of celestial bodies.
Article 2 of the treatyprevents any claims of sovereignty over space bodies.
The interpretation of Article 2 is a critical issue:
- The US argues that space resource extraction constitutes “use” under Article 1, not appropriation under Article 2.
The Artemis Accords align with the US interpretation of Article 2 and emphasize compliance with the Outer Space Treaty.
The participating countries, including India, have accepted the US interpretation of Article 2 by signing the Artemis Accords.

Outer Space Treaty (1967):

Purpose: Establishes principles for peaceful and cooperative use of outer space.
Key Principles:
- Peaceful use: Space for peaceful purposes, no WMDs.
- Non-appropriation: No sovereignty claims.
- Freedom of exploration: Open access for all.
- International responsibility: States are liable for the damage.
- Arms control: Ban nuclear weapons in space.
- Registration: Requires nations to register space objects with the UN.
- Environmental Protection: Prohibits harmful contamination.

Artemis Accords:

Origin (2020s): NASA-led principles for lunar cooperation.
Key Principles:
- Peaceful purposes: Emphasizes peaceful lunar activities.
- Transparency: Sharing of lunar activity plans.
- Interoperability: Coordination for safety.
- Heritage preservation: Protects lunar sites.
- Resource utilization: Allows resource extraction.
- Deconfliction: Minimizes interference.
Criticism: Disputed by some nations, e.g., Russia and China, due to resource utilization and potential Outer Space Treaty conflicts.
Commercial Involvement: Encourages private sector participation in lunar endeavors.