A pioneering Australian Indian Collaboration aimed at tackling space debris and promoting a sustainable space environment.
Supported by the Australian Government and part of the ISI India Projects program, this initiative brings together Australian innovation and Indian spaceflight expertise.
This mission, named Space MAITRI मैत्री (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation), 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. By focusing on debris management and sustainability, the mission aligns with the core values and objectives of both countries, promoting responsible space operations and mitigating the growing threat of space debris.
Our mission will showcase technologies essential for space sustainability, featuring our Australian-built Orbital Servicing Vehicle, which will be integrated and launched in India. This partnership underlines our commitment to advancing space technology and strengthening ties between Australia and India.
The significance of 'MAITRI'—Sanskrit for friendship —as the spirit of this international effort will be reflected in our Australian and Indian partners on this mission.
Demonstrating on-orbit servicing and space debris mitigation
Space MAITRI is an Australian led, joint project between Australian and Indian organisations to demonstrate technologies to make space sustainable.
It delivers on all objectives and outcomes of the International Space Investment (ISI) India project grants scheme, allowing Australian industry to conduct ambitious joint space projects, and build valuable commercial links with the Indian Space Research Organisation, Indian space industry, and Indian academic institutions.
It will unlock substantial economic value in the Australian Space sector and economy and leverages major private co-investment from both Space Machines Company and its partners to magnify the Australian Space Agency grant funding and deliver long lasting impact to the bi-lateral relationship with India.
The Space MAITRI mission involves collaboration with several Australian and Indian partner companies including Digantara, Ananth Technologies, The University of Adelaide, The University of Sydney, The University of Technology Sydney, LeoLabs, Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), and Advanced Navigation.
The mission underscores Space Machines Company’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable space operations. With the rapid proliferation of satellites launched by various entities, the ever-growing cloud of space debris encircling Earth poses an escalating threat to future space endeavours and astronaut safety. Through this groundbreaking collaboration, Space Machines Company, NSIL, and mission partners will spearhead the development of solutions to mitigate space debris, raise global awareness, and revolutionise in-space services, ensuring the long-term sustainability of space.
An Australian Orbital Servicing Vehicle sent to space on a dedicated Indian launcher
- The SSLV launcher operated by New Space India Limited (NSIL) will inject Optimus into LEO orbit.
- Post separation from the launcher, Optimus will carry out a series of propulsive Orbit Inspection Manoeuvres (OIM) to raise and inspect an asset/debris from close proximity.
- Optimus will spend several months in orbit examining space debris and demonstrating space sustainability technologies, including those of our partners.
- On-orbit demonstration and validation of the technology and economics required to achieve affordable and accessible roadside assistance in space.
