In a groundbreaking move for international space cooperation, Space Machines Company, an Australian-Indian in-space servicing firm, has signed a significant Launch Service Agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a government entity under the Department of Space and the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
This pioneering agreement heralds the launch of Space Machines Company’s second Optimus spacecraft, a 450kg marvel that stands as the largest Australian-designed and built spacecraft to date.
Scheduled for a dedicated launch aboard NSIL’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) in 2026, this mission represents a monumental step for both Australia and India in the realm of space collaboration.
Dubbed Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research, and Innovation), this mission epitomises the strategic partnership between the two nations in the space sector. It fosters stronger connections among commercial, institutional, and governmental space organisations from both countries. With a focus on debris management and sustainability, the mission aligns with the core values and objectives of Australia and India, promoting responsible space operations and addressing the escalating threat of space debris.
The formal announcement of the Launch Service Agreement was made at the India Space Congress 2024 in Delhi by Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and Co-Founder of Space Machines Company, and Mr Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director of NSIL.
“This collaboration with Space Machines Company exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation in space and highlights the strategic partnership between Australia and India,” said Mr Radhakrishnan Durairaj.
“As a launch service provider for the Optimus spacecraft, we are not only fostering the growth of our respective space industries but also contributing to the sustainable exploration and utilisation of space.”
In April 2024, Space Machines Company announced 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) programme.
“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 the ties between our nations’ space sectors but also demonstrating our shared commitment to sustainable space operations.”
The mission sees collaboration between several Australian and Indian partners, 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).
“It is terrific to see this historic launch agreement signed today between Space Machines and NewSpace India Limited. Australia and India are important strategic and natural partners in the space sector, an inherently global industry,” said Philip Green OAM, High Commissioner of India.
“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. From Australia’s geographical location and world-leading technologies to our R&D, human and talent capital, Australia has much to offer when it comes to space.”
Enrico Palermo, head of the Australian Space Agency, remarked that the agreement is a crucial step towards enhancing Australia’s space heritage and strengthening its relationship with India.
“This formal agreement and mission will leverage our countries’ respective capabilities and unique strengths to make space activities more sustainable,” Palermo 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.”
The Space MAITRI mission underscores Space Machines Company’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable space operations. With the rapid proliferation of satellites launched by various entities, the ever-growing cloud of space debris poses an escalating threat to future space endeavours and astronaut safety. Through this groundbreaking collaboration, Space Machines Company, NSIL, and mission partners will lead the development of solutions to mitigate space debris, raise global awareness, and revolutionise in-space services, ensuring the long-term sustainability of space.
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