Space Machines Company has signed a Launch Service Agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a government of India company under the Department of Space and the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The deal sets the stage for the launch of Space Machines Company’s second Optimus spacecraft weighing 450kg, the largest Australian-designed and built spacecraft so far. The satellite is slated for a dedicated launch aboard NSIL’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) in 2026.
This mission, named Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation), marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between Australia and India in the space domain, fostering closer ties between commercial, institutional, and governmental space organisations from both nations. 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.
At the India Space Congress 2024 held in Delhi, Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and Co-Founder of Space Machines Company, and Mr Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director of NSIL, formally announced the signing of the Launch Service Agreement.
“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, NSIL Chairman and Managing Director. “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 received an $8.5 million grant from the Australian Government through the Australian Space Agency’s International Space Investment India Projects (ISI India Projects) program.
“The Space MAITRI mission and our collaboration with NewSpace India Limited represents a significant leap forward for Australia’s space industry. 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,” said Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and Co-Founder of Space Machines Company.
The Space MAITRI mission involves several Australian and Indian partner companies collaborating with Space Machines Company, 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 here 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, Australian High Commissioner to 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.”
Head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo, said the agreement is an important 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. 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.”
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