NASA invites ISRO to join lunar base program

U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor announced at the Bengaluru Space Expo 2026 that NASA has officially invited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to participate in its lunar base program. Highlighting India's role as a signatory of the Artemis Accords, Gor stated that the United States intends to have India by its side on the lunar surface during upcoming missions.

Beyond lunar exploration, the ambassador emphasized the importance of the joint NISAR mission, noting that its radar technology can provide critical Earth observation data through clouds and dust to assist in disaster management and life-saving operations. He also praised the growing role of India in human spaceflight, specifically referencing Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission to the International Space Station.

Furthermore, Gor highlighted opportunities for Indian space startups, such as Pixxel, Skyroot Aerospace, and Agnikul Cosmos, noting that the U.S. market and investors are increasingly interested in Indian space entrepreneurs.