NEW DELHI: Australian-Indian in-space servicing arm Space Machines Company has signed a launch service agreement with Isro’s commercial arm NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) for the launch of second Optimus spacecraft weighing 450kg, the largest Australian-designed and -built spacecraft so far.
Slated for a launch on board NSIL’s new mini rocket Small Satellite Launch Vehicle in 2026, this mission, named Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation), will mark a defining moment for both nations in the area of space collaboration.The mission will address the problem of increasing levels of space debris around Earth, which endanger both future space ventures and astronaut safety.
Space MAITRI is assisted by an $8.5 million grant from the Australian Space Agency, and is part of the International Space Investment (ISI) India Projects program.
At the India Space Congress 2024 held in Delhi, Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and co-founder of Space Machines Company, and NSIL CMD Radhakrishnan Durairaj formally announced the signing of the agreement. Isro chairman S Somanath and Australian high commissioner to India, Philip Green OAM, were also present at the occasion.
Speaking on the pact, Philip Green OAM, Australian high commissioner to India, said, “It is terrific to see this historic launch agreement signed here… Australia and India are important strategic and natural partners in the space sector; an inherently global industry.”
After the announcing the pact, NSIL CMD Durairaj said, “This collaboration with Space Machines Company exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation in space and highlights the strategic partnership between Australia and India.”
By focusing on debris management and sustainability, the mission aligns with the core values and objectives of both countries, promoting responsible space operations and mitigating the growing threat of space debris. “As an Australian-Indian, I’m especially proud that the Sanskrit word ‘MAITRI’ meaning friendship and goodwill encapsulates the spirit of this pioneering international collaboration,” Kulshrestha said.
Australian Space Agency head Enrico Palermo also hailed the pact. “This formal agreement and mission will leverage our countries’ respective capabilities and unique strengths to make space activities more sustainable,” he said.
“Like India, Australia’s commercial space sector is rapidly growing, and we are producing innovative space technologies that benefit life on Earth. The mission will inspire future explorers and further enhance international cooperation in this critical domain,” he said.
Slated for a launch on board NSIL’s new mini rocket Small Satellite Launch Vehicle in 2026, this mission, named Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation), will mark a defining moment for both nations in the area of space collaboration.The mission will address the problem of increasing levels of space debris around Earth, which endanger both future space ventures and astronaut safety.
Space MAITRI is assisted by an $8.5 million grant from the Australian Space Agency, and is part of the International Space Investment (ISI) India Projects program.
At the India Space Congress 2024 held in Delhi, Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and co-founder of Space Machines Company, and NSIL CMD Radhakrishnan Durairaj formally announced the signing of the agreement. Isro chairman S Somanath and Australian high commissioner to India, Philip Green OAM, were also present at the occasion.
Speaking on the pact, Philip Green OAM, Australian high commissioner to India, said, “It is terrific to see this historic launch agreement signed here… Australia and India are important strategic and natural partners in the space sector; an inherently global industry.”
After the announcing the pact, NSIL CMD Durairaj said, “This collaboration with Space Machines Company exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation in space and highlights the strategic partnership between Australia and India.”
By focusing on debris management and sustainability, the mission aligns with the core values and objectives of both countries, promoting responsible space operations and mitigating the growing threat of space debris. “As an Australian-Indian, I’m especially proud that the Sanskrit word ‘MAITRI’ meaning friendship and goodwill encapsulates the spirit of this pioneering international collaboration,” Kulshrestha said.
Australian Space Agency head Enrico Palermo also hailed the pact. “This formal agreement and mission will leverage our countries’ respective capabilities and unique strengths to make space activities more sustainable,” he said.
“Like India, Australia’s commercial space sector is rapidly growing, and we are producing innovative space technologies that benefit life on Earth. The mission will inspire future explorers and further enhance international cooperation in this critical domain,” he said.
