Moon Base | India’s lunar future

The extension of Earth-bound geopolitical rivalries to cislunar space (the area between Earth and the Moon) is a significant shift in global governance. The US-led Artemis Accords and the China-Russia International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) represent competing blocs aiming to establish norms and infrastructure on the Moon. For India, a signatory to the Artemis Accords, this presents a complex diplomatic challenge. India must navigate these competing ecosystems to maintain its strategic autonomy—a core principle of its foreign policy. Deepening ties with the US offers access to advanced technology and a larger ecosystem, but over-reliance could constrain India's ability to cooperate with other nations, particularly if technological standards (communication protocols, data formats) become incompatible between the two blocs. This highlights the need for India to advocate for open international standards in space to prevent technological lock-in and preserve its options for multilateral cooperation, including potential future collaboration with China in space.

The 'Moon Base' initiative and the broader Artemis program represent a shift from short-term exploratory missions to establishing a sustained human presence on the Moon. This requires significant advancements in infrastructure, including lunar terrain vehicles, delivery systems, and relay satellites. NASA's heavy reliance on the private sector (companies like Blue Origin and Astrobotic) underscores the commercialization of space exploration. For ISRO, participation in such programs offers opportunities for capacity building, such as the training of Gaganyaan astronauts by NASA. However, it also necessitates adapting to the technological standards of the Artemis ecosystem. The challenge for India is to ensure that its domestic space program develops the necessary capabilities to interoperate with international partners without losing sovereign control over critical hardware and software. This situation emphasizes the importance of indigenization in strategic sectors while remaining open to international collaboration.

The evolving legal and normative framework for space exploration is a critical area of international law. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 establishes that space is the 'province of all mankind' and prohibits national appropriation. However, initiatives like the Artemis Accords attempt to create practical frameworks for resource extraction (like water-ice at the lunar south pole) and interoperability, which some argue circumvent the spirit of the treaty. India's engagement in these programs requires careful consideration of the legal implications of these bilateral and multilateral agreements. As space becomes more congested and contested, India needs to actively participate in shaping international space law to protect its interests and ensure equitable access to space resources, balancing national ambitions with international obligations.