In a landmark move, Space Machines Company, an Australian-Indian in-space servicing firm, has signed a crucial Launch Service Agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). NSIL, a Government of India company under the Department of Space and the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is set to launch Space Machines Company’s second Optimus spacecraft, the largest Australian-designed and built spacecraft to date.
The Mission and Its Significance
Scheduled for a dedicated launch aboard NSIL’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) in 2026, the 450kg Optimus spacecraft will be a significant milestone in Australia-India space collaboration. The mission, named Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation), highlights the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. It aims to foster closer ties among commercial, institutional, and governmental space organizations from both countries, with a particular focus on debris management and sustainability in space operations.
Formal Announcement and Strategic Partnership
The official announcement of the Launch Service Agreement took place at the India Space Congress 2024 in Delhi. Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and Co-Founder of Space Machines Company, and Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director of NSIL, formalized the 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 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 utilization of space.”
Government Support and Funding
The Australian Government has also shown strong support for the Space MAITRI project. In April 2024, Space Machines Company announced an AUS$8.5 million grant from the Australian Government through the Australian Space Agency’s International Space Investment India Projects (ISI India Projects) program. This financial backing underscores the importance of the mission and the commitment of both nations to advancing their space capabilities.
“The Space MAITRI mission and our collaboration with NewSpace India Limited represent a significant leap forward for Australia’s space industry,” said 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.”
Collaborative Efforts
The mission involves collaboration with several Australian and Indian partner companies, including Ananth Technologies, Digantara, The University of Adelaide, The University of Sydney, The University of Technology Sydney, LeoLabs, Advanced Navigation, and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). This partnership reflects a united effort to leverage each country’s unique strengths and capabilities in space technology and research.
Remarks from Key Stakeholders
Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green OAM, praised the agreement, emphasizing the strategic and natural partnership between Australia and India in the space sector. “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,” he said.
Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, highlighted the significance of the agreement in enhancing Australia’s space heritage and strengthening the relationship with India. “This formal agreement and mission will leverage our countries’ respective capabilities and unique strengths to make space activities more sustainable,” he noted.
Commitment to Sustainable Space Operations
The Space MAITRI mission underscores Space Machines Company’s dedication to fostering sustainable space operations. With the rapid increase in satellites launched by various entities, the growing cloud of space debris poses a significant threat to future space endeavours and astronaut safety. Through this groundbreaking collaboration, Space Machines Company, NSIL, and mission partners aim to develop solutions to mitigate space debris, raise global awareness, and revolutionize in-space services, ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities.