Australian-Indian in-space servicing firm Space Machines Company has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the UK-based ISAM technology developer and service provider, Lúnasa, to address the global issue of space debris.
This agreement marks a critical outcome under the UK-Australia Space Bridge Arrangement, which fosters connections and cross-collaboration to unlock space innovations and export opportunities.
Lúnasa will deploy its inaugural mission as part of Space Machines Company’s second Optimus satellite launch through the Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation) mission.
Scheduled for launch in 2026, the orbital servicing vehicle will be deployed aboard NewSpace India Limited’s small satellite launch vehicle. The mission is supported by the Australian Government, which in April 2024 invested AUD8.5 million through the Australian Space Agency’s International Space Investment India Projects program.
Lúnasa will integrate its autonomous StarLogic rendezvous proximity operations payload onto Optimus to test and validate its technology, a first-of-its-kind for a UK-built commercial satellite conducting proximity operations. Designed to image on-orbit objects including other satellite debris within a one to twenty-kilometre range, StarLogic will support Optimus in conducting rendezvous proximity operations by calculating required orbital manoeuvres.
This includes detecting and navigating interactions with target satellites, maintaining relative navigation and pose estimation, and executing several autonomous operations using onboard real-time processing capabilities. Space Machines Company’s Space MAITRI mission will allow for the space qualification of the StarLogic payload, providing an opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities in the challenging space environment.
“This partnership with Lúnasa marks a pivotal milestone for Space Machines Company as we expand internationally to build the future of space capability and infrastructure,” said Space Machines CEO and Co-founder Rajat Kulshrestha. “Working with strategic partners across AUKUS will help bring Australia’s space contributions to the fore, aligning with the cutting edge of the global space economy as we collectively address the growing issues of sustainable space exploration.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Space Machines Company for this groundbreaking mission,” said Lúnasa CEO Amin Chabi. “This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our journey to advance in-orbit capabilities.”
“Together, we aim to demonstrate a suite of innovative RPO and satellite servicing technologies that will not only showcase our technical excellence but also lay the foundation for a new era of sustainable space operations,” he added. “Partnering with a forward-thinking Australian company like Space Machines Company allows us to combine our strengths and expertise, paving the way for more reliable, flexible, and efficient satellite services.”
“Space debris is a global issue, so we must collaborate internationally to tackle it,” said UK Space Agency CEO Paul Bate. “This new partnership is a great example of the innovative capabilities found within the UK and Australian space sectors to do just that. The deployment and demonstration of Lúnasa’s StarLogic technology will pave the way for future advancements in in-orbit servicing and sustainable space operations, helping to safeguard the space environment for future generations.”
“Space by its nature is a global endeavour, and this agreement highlights the collective opportunity for Australia’s space sector that comes from working with our international partners,” said Australian Space Agency Head Enrico Palermo.
“It’s heartening to see the Australian Government’s investment in the Space MAITRI mission not only creating opportunities for Australian industry to collaborate with India but other valued partners like the UK to deliver outcomes that benefit life on Earth for all our communities.”
Space Machines Company and Lúnasa will work together closely over the next two years to test and integrate the StarLogic payload with the Optimus OSV in Australia before shipping the spacecraft to India for the MAITRI launch.
