NASA Invites ISRO to Join Landmark Moon Base Programme

NASA has officially invited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to collaborate on its ambitious Moon Base programme. This significant development was announced during the ninth meeting of the India-U.S. Civil Space Joint Working Group held in Bengaluru. The offer aims to leverage India's growing space capabilities for long-term lunar habitation and exploration. U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor addressed the gathering, emphasizing the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations in the space domain.

The proposal emerged during intensive discussions on August 5 and 6, 2026, focused on expanding bilateral cooperation. Both agencies are already working on the NISAR satellite project and human spaceflight missions. This invitation marks a transition from separate missions to a shared infrastructure approach on the lunar surface. The collaboration aligns with the Artemis Accords, which India signed to foster international cooperation in sustainable space exploration and resource management.

The partnership will likely involve joint research, technology sharing, and potential Indian astronaut participation in lunar surface activities. This move strengthens India's position as a global space power and provides access to advanced American lunar technology. For ISRO, this collaboration offers a cost-effective pathway to establish a presence on the Moon. The joint working group will now define the technical parameters and mission roles for both agencies in the coming months.