In what is the most significant commercial space sector partnership between India and Australia, the Indian Space Agency would be launching a satellite built by an Australian firm. Interestingly, this mission 'Space MAITRI' (Mission for Australia-India's Technology, Research and Innovation) would be performed by India's smallest and newest rocket SSLV, and the passenger would be Australia's biggest satellite the 450kg 'Optimus'. The commercial pact for this launch, scheduled to take place in 2026, has been made between ISRO's commercial arm - NewSpace India Limited(NSIL) and the Australian firm Space Machines Company.
The Optimus satellite is a unique piece of hardware, which is meant to perform in-orbit inspection of other satellites and even perform certain kinds of repair work. "Once Optimus gets into earth orbit, it will put itself in park-mode, and await its next mission. If any satellite in orbit breaks down, the operators(of the broken down satellite) will call Space Machines, who will then move Optimus towards the broken down satellite, inspect it and diagnose the issue," Space Machines Company says.
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Based on the inspection performed by Optimus, the operators of the malfunctioning satellite can be made aware of the exact technical issues faced by the craft. As this technology further evolves, Optimus satellites can also perform in-orbit repairs, refuelling, and even safe disposal of satellites that have completed their life cycle. By performing repairs and re-fuelling of satellites, it is possible to considerably extend the operational life of satellites and reduce the rapid proliferation of space debris.
"This collaboration with Space Machines Company exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation in space and highlights the strategic partnership between Australia and India," said Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director, NSIL. This mission 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.
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"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).
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