In a significant development, the Union Cabinet approved the Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bhutan on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
In a significant development, the Union Cabinet approved the Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bhutan on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
Key-takeaways from the Agreement
- A Joint Working Group would be set up, drawing members from DOS/ISRO and the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) of Bhutan.
- The group will further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementation.
- Area of cooperation: This MoU will enable India and Bhutan to pursue cooperation in potential interest areas, such as:
- remote sensing of the earth
- satellite communication and satellite-based navigation
- Space science and planetary exploration
- use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system
- application of space technology
How will it benefit the nations?
- It will provide Impetus to explore cooperation possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication; satellite navigation; space science and exploration of outer space.
Principal International Treaty on Space
- The principal international Treaty on space is the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
- India is a signatory to this treaty, and ratified it in 1982.
- The Outer Space Treaty prohibits only weapons of mass destruction in outer space, not ordinary weapons.
