Space Machines Company, an Australian-Indian in-space servicing firm, has entered a Launch Service Agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the Department of Space, Government of India.
“This collaboration with Space Machines Company exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation in space and highlights the strategic partnership between Australia and India,” remarked Radhakrishnan Durairaj, NSIL chairman and managing director.
This partnership paves the way for the launch of Space Machines Company’s second Optimus spacecraft, weighing 450kg, the largest Australian-designed and built spacecraft to date, the firm said in a media release.
The mission is slated for a 2026 launch aboard NSIL’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
Named Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research, and Innovation), the mission signifies a critical step in enhancing the strategic partnership between Australia and India.
According to Space Machines, the focus on debris management and sustainability aligns with the core values of both nations, promoting responsible space operations and addressing the growing threat of space debris.
At the India Space Congress 2024 in Delhi, Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and co-founder of Space Machines Company, and NSIL’s Durairaj formally announced the signing of the Launch Service Agreement.
“The Space MAITRI mission and our collaboration with NewSpace India Limited represent a significant leap forward for Australia’s space industry,” stated Rajat Kulshrestha.
“By combining our innovative spacecraft capabilities with India’s proven launch expertise, we are not only strengthening ties between our nations’ space sectors but also demonstrating our shared commitment to sustainable space operations,” he noted.
In April 2024, Space Machines Company revealed that the Space MAITRI project had secured an $8.5 million grant from the Australian Government through the Australian Space Agency’s International Space Investment India Projects (ISI India Projects) program.
Philip Green OAM, Australian High Commissioner to India, expressed, “It is terrific to see this historic launch agreement signed here today between Space Machines and NewSpace India Limited.”
He continued, “Australia and India are important strategic and natural partners in the space sector; an inherently global industry.”
The Space MAITRI mission involves collaboration between several Australian and Indian partner companies, including Digantara, Ananth Technologies, The University of Adelaide, The University of Sydney, The University of Technology Sydney, LeoLabs, Advanced Navigation, and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI).
“We share an understanding of the importance of space to support progress here on Earth, and Australian companies are well prepared to support joint projects with India for critical space-related products and services,” added Mr. Green.
Enrico Palermo, head of the Australian Space Agency, emphasised, “This formal agreement and mission will leverage our countries’ respective capabilities and unique strengths to make space activities more sustainable.”
He further remarked, “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.”
