The Australian Space Agency (ASA) is unlocking opportunities for Australian organisations to collaborate with the Indian space sector.
The International Space Investment India Projects (ISI India Projects) grant program is now open for applications.
Under this, applicants will be able to receive grants from allocated $20.69 million in funding over 4 financial years (2022-23 to 2025-26).
Recently, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, recognising the importance of space, said in their leader’s statement “more India-Australia collaboration in the field of space should be fostered.”
Both prime ministers also recalled the participation of Australia as a Partner Country in the 7th Bengaluru Space Expo and expressed their belief that more India-Australia collaboration in the field of space should be fostered, including scientific research, space applications and production and launch of satellites.
Head of the ASA Enrico Palermo said in a statement the projects will help Australian space organisations build strong and ongoing connections with India.
He said:
“Australia and India’s commercial space sectors are at similar levels of development, making us perfect partners.”
This collaboration will enable Australian businesses and research organisations to conduct joint projects and build closer relationships with the Indian space sector.
It will also offer valuable opportunities for collaborative space projects across the mutual priority areas, which are:
- earth observation
- position, navigation and timing
- advanced manufacturing for space
- artificial intelligence for space-based applications
- applied space medicine and life sciences
- space situational awareness and debris mitigation
- cyber security projects for space missions
- science and exploration services
- facilitating space projects in industry resilience, workforce and skills development.
Mr Palermo added:
“THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE INVESTMENT INDIA PROJECTS OPPORTUNITY WILL GENERATE PROJECTS THAT LEVERAGE OUR RESPECTIVE EXPERTISE TO ULTIMATELY STRENGTHEN OUR SPACE SECTORS, ENHANCE OUR CAPABILITIES AND BOOST JOBS AND GROWTH ACROSS OUR COUNTRIES.”
The first round of Australia’s India-focused International Space Investment grants program, designed to foster closer bilateral collaboration on mutually beneficial space research and development projects.
PM Albanese also underlined Australia’s ongoing support of India’s Gaganyaan Space Program.
ISI India Projects are delivered by the Australian Space Agency and DISR Grants Delivery & Business Services, building off the concept of a broader 2018 ISI initiative. The ISI India Projects grant applications close Tuesday 13 June 2023.