Australian-Indian in-space servicing business Space Machines Company has inked a launch service agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). The deal was announced at the India Space Congress 2024 in Delhi.
The partnership sets the stage for the launch of Space Machines Company’s second Optimus spacecraft weighing 450kg, the largest Australian-designed and built spacecraft to date, and slated for a dedicated launch aboard NSIL’s small satellite launch vehicle in 2026.
NewSpace India Limited is an Indian government company under the Department of Space and the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation.
Space Machines Company provides on-orbit servicing and protection of critical space infrastructure through its Orbital Servicing Network. The business supports mobility, inspection, deorbiting, repair, life extension, and protection capability to its satellite customers.
The mission, named Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation), focuses on debris management and sustainability, aligning with the core values and objectives of both countries – promoting responsible space operations and mitigating the growing threat of space debris.
“The Space MAITRI mission and our collaboration with NewSpace India Limited represents a significant leap forward for Australia’s space industry,” said Space Machines Company CEO and Co-founder 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.”
In April 2024, Space Machines Company announced that the Space MAITRI project had received an AUD8.5 million grant from the Australian Government through the Australian Space Agency’s International Space Investment India Projects. 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.
“This formal agreement and mission will leverage our countries’ respective capabilities and unique strengths to make space activities more sustainable,” said Australian Space Agency Head Enrico Palermo. “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.”
