• Recently, the Australian government signed an $18 million MoU with NewSpace India Limited, the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation, under the Space Maitri Mission.

Key Points

• Space Maitri (Australia-India Mission for Technology, Research and Innovation), is a major step in the strategic partnership between the two countries in the space sector.
• It aims to promote closer ties between commercial, institutional and government space organizations of India and Australia.
• Under this agreement, NewSpace India Limited will launch the second Optimus spacecraft of Australia's Space Machines Company in 2026.
• The 450-kg Optimus spacecraft, the largest Australian-designed and built spacecraft to date, will be launched on ISRO's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).

Government support and funding

• In April 2024, the said space machine company announced that the Australian government will provide financial assistance of 8.5 million Australian dollars through its International Space Investment India Projects (ISI India Projects) program.

Partners Involved

• Telangana (Hyderabad based) Anant Technologies Limited (ATL)
• Digantara
• Indian Aerospace Company
• The University of Technology Sydney
• The University of Sydney
• Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) etc.

Mission Significance

• This mission focuses on the management and sustainability of space debris, which aligns with the core values ​​and objectives of both countries in promoting responsible space operations and reducing the growing threat of space debris.
• In addition, this mission highlights the growing cooperation between Australia and India regarding innovative space technologies.
• This collaboration is expected to inspire future explorers and promote international cooperation in sustainable space activities.
• Along with this, the effort to develop solutions to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities makes this mission important.

About SSLV

• It is a three-stage launch vehicle.
• It has three solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as the terminal stage.
• Capability: Capable of launching a 500 kg satellite into a flat orbit of 500 km.

Advantages

• An efficient and versatile option for small satellite launches
• Flexibility to accommodate multiple satellites

Low cost

• Reduce turnaround time
• Minimal launch infrastructure requirements etc.

Important Facts For Exams

New Space India Limited (NSIL)

• Founded- 2019
• Type: Central Public Sector Enterprise
• Headquarters- Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Chairman and Managing Director- Radhakrishnan Durairaj