The I2U2 group, consisting of India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, recently announced a new joint space venture. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
According to a press release by the US Department of State, the project aims to create a unique space-based tool for policymakers, institutions, and entrepreneurs. The tool will utilize space-based observation data and capabilities from the four partner countries to address environmental and climate change challenges and further cooperation in the applications of space data.
This announcement comes after India’s successful soft landing of Chandrayaan 3 on the lunar South Pole and the launch of the Aditya-L1 Mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). With these achievements, India joins the ranks of the United States, Russia, and China in successful lunar soft landings, showcasing the country’s bold trajectory in space exploration.
The I2U2 group, also known as the West Asian Quad, aims to encourage joint investments in six mutually identified areas: water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security. The group launched a website to strengthen public-private partnerships in these sectors and invited private companies from the four member countries to submit their projects to tackle global challenges.
The website launch was praised by officials from the member nations, who described it as a tangible step towards shaping a sustainable and prosperous future. The I2U2 aims to mobilize private sector capital and expertise to modernize infrastructure, advance low-carbon development pathways, and improve public health.
The joint space venture and the launch of the website demonstrate the commitment of the I2U2 group to collaboration and innovation in key areas of mutual interest. By leveraging the capabilities and resources of the partner countries, this initiative aims to tackle global challenges and promote the development of new technologies and trade collaboration.
The creation of the website will facilitate increased interaction and collaboration among businesses from the member countries, enabling them to share new technologies and explore partnership opportunities. The I2U2 group is confident that this platform will contribute to the modernization of infrastructure, the decarbonization of industries, the enhancement of public health, and the promotion of green technologies.
In conclusion, the I2U2 group’s joint space venture and the launch of the website mark important milestones in the partnership between India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. These initiatives demonstrate a shared commitment to addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development through collaboration and innovation.