The Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX-2025) is in full swing in New Delhi, bringing together space enthusiasts, scientists, and leaders from 35 countries—but one major player is conspicuously absent. NASA, the American space agency, has not sent any delegates to this landmark event, which kicked off on May 7, 2025. With 1,700 delegates, ten astronauts, and space agency officials from countries like China, Japan, Canada, and Europe, the summit is buzzing with ideas for the future of space exploration. So, why is NASA missing? And what does this mean for global space collaboration? Let’s dive into the details, explore India’s bold space ambitions, and unpack the implications of NASA’s absence—plus, some ways you can stay updated on space exploration!
A Global Gathering in New Delhi—Minus NASA
Hosted by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), GLEX-2025 is a platform for sharing ideas, challenges, and solutions in space exploration. From May 7 to May 9, 2025, New Delhi has become the epicenter of space innovation, with delegates discussing everything from lunar missions to sustainable space tech. The IAF’s website highlights the conference’s goal: to foster collaboration among nations and inspire the next generation of space explorers. You can learn more about the event at IAF’s official site.
But the absence of NASA has raised eyebrows. Sources suggest that the U.S. space agency’s no-show is tied to a tumultuous transition period under President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump’s proposed 2026 “skinny budget” for NASA slashes its funding by a staggering 24%—from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion. This marks the largest single-year cut in NASA’s history, impacting manpower and international engagements like GLEX-2025. Posts on X reflect the sentiment, with users noting that NASA’s absence might be due to these budget constraints, giving China an edge in the global space race.
Space experts are sounding the alarm. The cuts could jeopardize U.S. leadership in space exploration, especially as China ramps up its lunar ambitions with plans for a Moon base by 2035 (per recent web reports). For students and professionals in Coimbatore’s engineering colleges—where aerospace is a growing field—this shift could mean new opportunities to collaborate with ISRO and other global agencies. Want to stay in the loop on space policy? Follow Space Policy Online for updates.
India’s Ambitious Space Vision Takes Center Stage
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated GLEX-2025 via a pre-recorded video message on May 6, 2025, setting an inspiring tone for the conference. “For India, space is about exploration as well as empowerment,” Modi said, emphasizing collaboration over competition. He outlined India’s bold roadmap:
- Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035: A space station to foster research and international partnerships.
- Indian Astronaut on the Moon by 2040: Aiming to leave footprints on the lunar surface, with Mars and Venus also on the horizon.
- Axiom-4 Mission on May 29, 2025: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will join a joint ISRO-NASA mission to the International Space Station (ISS) for a 14-day mission.
Modi’s vision resonates deeply: “India’s space journey is not about racing others. It’s about reaching higher together.” This spirit of unity is evident in initiatives like the G20 Satellite Mission, announced during India’s G20 Presidency, which aims to benefit the Global South. ISRO’s achievements—like being the first to land near the Moon’s South Pole with Chandrayaan-3—have already put India on the global map. For more on India’s space milestones, check out ISRO’s official site.
Shubhanshu Shukla and the Axiom-4 Mission: A Milestone for India
The upcoming Axiom-4 mission, set to launch on May 29, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is a historic moment for India. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer and astronaut-designate for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, will pilot the mission alongside former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and astronauts from Poland and Hungary. They’ll spend 14 days aboard the ISS, conducting experiments in microgravity, including India-centric studies on food sprouting (e.g., green gram and fenugreek) and human biology. This mission not only strengthens ISRO-NASA ties but also paves the way for India’s human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, slated for 2026. Curious about the ISS? Explore more at NASA’s ISS page.
What NASA’s Absence Means for Global Space Exploration
NASA’s absence from GLEX-2025 isn’t just a symbolic loss—it’s a practical one. The conference is a key venue for sharing technical and policy insights, and NASA’s expertise could have enriched discussions on lunar exploration and sustainable space tech. Some X users have expressed disappointment, noting that 35 countries—including China—are present, along with ten astronauts, but none from NASA. This gap might accelerate China’s lead in the space race, especially as the U.S. grapples with budget cuts.
For engineering students in Coimbatore, this is a reminder of the growing opportunities in India’s space sector. ISRO has opened doors for startups, with over 250 now innovating in satellite tech and propulsion—many led by women scientists. If you’re studying mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering, consider exploring space-related projects like propulsion systems or space infrastructure design. The India Space Congress 2025 is another event to watch for networking and inspiration.
How to Get Involved in Space Exploration
The GLEX-2025 summit might be exclusive, but you can still engage with the space community:
- Follow Live Updates: ISRO shared a live link for the GLEX-2025 inaugural program—stay tuned for more sessions on their social media: ISRO on X.
- Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on space exploration using #GLEX2025 on X. What do you think about NASA’s absence?
- Explore Careers in Space: ISRO offers internships and collaborates with institutes like the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST). Learn more at IIST’s website.
- Stay Inspired: Read about Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey—from an IAF pilot to an astronaut—and let it fuel your own ambitions.
What’s Next for Global Space Collaboration?
Despite NASA’s absence, GLEX-2025 is a testament to the power of international collaboration. India’s leadership at the summit, coupled with its ambitious goals, positions it as a key player in space exploration. But the U.S.’s budget cuts raise questions about the future balance of power in space. Will China seize the opportunity to dominate lunar exploration? Can India bridge the gap with initiatives like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts on India’s space goals or NASA’s budget cuts? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear from you!