Space MAITRI Mission Advances with Three New Partnerships Announced at IAC 2025

Space MAITRI Mission Advances with Three New Partnerships Announced at IAC 2025

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - 3 October, 2025 — The Space MAITRI Mission, supported by $8.5 million in Australian Government funding, reached a significant milestone at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025 in Sydney, with Space Machines Company (SMC) and the University of Technology Sydney hosting a partnership event led by Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Michael Blumenstein.

Three new partnerships were announced at the event.

Macquarie University: Advanced Optical Systems

SMC is collaborating with Macquarie University's Australian Astronomical Optics to develop advanced optical systems for Space MAITRI. The partnership delivers space-qualified thermal infrared camera systems and optimised baffle design, enabling Optimus Viper to maintain full operational capability during eclipse conditions.

OrbitAID Aerospace: In-Orbit Refuelling

SMC has contracted Bangalore-based OrbitAID Aerospace to provide ground fuelling services and supply a docking and refuelling port for Space MAITRI. OrbitAID's SIDRP technology will integrate with Optimus Viper to enable future in-orbit refuelling operations ahead of the mission's late 2026 launch on India's SSLV rocket.

Space Vibration Research and Testing Facility

SMC and the University of Technology Sydney are establishing advanced spacecraft testing capabilities through a space vibration research and test facility. The initiative encompasses procurement of testing equipment, manufacture of ground support equipment, and comprehensive training for the Optimus Viper spacecraft platform.

On the sidelines of IAC 2025, the SMC team met with Dr V. Narayanan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO); Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe; and Mr M. Mohan, Chairman of New Space India Limited (NSIL).

The Space MAITRI project received grant funding from the Australian Government via the Australian Space Agency.

ENDS

Media enquiries:

Sharmila Fernando

Head Of Marketing

Space Machines Company

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About Space Machines Company

Space Machines Company (SMC) delivers space superiority and security through rapidly deployable, low-cost orbital response systems that protect the critical infrastructure democratic nations depend on. Founded in Australia with operations across the US, UK, and India, we are a trusted strategic partner across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Our integrated system spans the full response spectrum, from detection and threat analysis through to coordinated on-orbit action, powered by the Optimus Viper spacecraft and AI-driven Solstice OS platform.