Space Machines & Indian firms collaborate on Space MAITRI mission

Space Machines Company has established strategic partnerships with Indian enterprises Ananth Technologies and Digantara. The collaborations aim to support the company's forthcoming Space MAITRI mission, an initiative focused on furthering space operations and traffic management. The partnership formed part of an announcement at the Bengaluru Space Expo 2024.

The key objective of these partnerships centres around the 2026 launch of the Optimus satellite, which will be part of the Space MAITRI mission. The satellite is set to be launched via NewSpace India Limited's (NSIL) Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). By merging their capabilities, these companies intend to advance efforts towards sustainable space operations.

"These partnerships represent a significant milestone for both the Space MAITRI mission and Australia's growing connection with India's space sector," commented Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and Co-Founder of Space Machines Company. "We'll work closely with Ananth Technologies and Digantara throughout the Space MAITRI project lifecycle, leveraging each company's advanced engineering, logistic and situation space awareness capabilities to fulfil the joint Australian-Indian mission of building a more sustainable space future."

Ananth Technologies is tasked with providing Assembly Integration and Testing (AIT) and comprehensive engineering and logistics support for the project. This includes transportation and handling of spacecraft components within India, extensive testing in their Bengaluru cleanroom facilities, and launch site spacecraft fueling.

"Ananth Technologies is globally renowned for our expertise in precision engineering, manufacturing, and satellite integration. We're committed to providing the logistical support and resources for the Space MAITRI mission's success," stated Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, Chairman and Managing Director of Ananth Technologies. "This agreement is also an opportunity to showcase India's growing test and launch capabilities and how our space sector is working with international partners to address global opportunities and challenges."

Digantara will contribute by integrating a short-range electro-optical payload onto the Optimus satellite. This payload will track short-range resident space objects, which includes operational satellites, failed satellites, and debris. It aims to enable Optimus to perform close-approach manoeuvres effectively.

"Our collaborative work with Space Machines Company will enable Optimus to track and engage short-range resident space objects, a vital capability when executing close approach manoeuvres during on-orbit operations," said Anirudh Sharma, CEO of Digantara. "We're honoured to support Space Machines Company with our advanced situational space awareness capabilities and help advance the future of safe and sustainable space operations both in India and abroad."

Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, noted the importance of these partnerships in the context of bilateral relations. "The relationship between Australia and India's space industries is growing in a way not experienced before. It's incredibly exciting to see the Space MAITRI mission fulfil its purpose of bringing industry-leading companies, partners and technologies from across Australia and India together. By working as a collective, we're both strengthening our bilateral relationship and pioneering new frontiers in international space cooperation."

Gopal Baglay, Indian High Commissioner to Australia, added, "India's space program has a rich history and continues to operate at the forefront of global space innovation. We're committed to enhancing ties between India and Australia, especially in areas directly impacting the people of both countries. Space exploration and technology are crucial for economic growth and improving the quality of life on Earth. Indian companies like Ananth Technologies and Digantara are well-positioned to realise the objectives of the Space MAITRI mission and contribute to the future of sustainable in-space services."

Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, also emphasised the deeper cooperation between Australia and India resulting from these agreements. "This mission, and the collaborations that underpin it, emphasise the role space can play in enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region for mutual benefit. Australia and India are both innovative in how we approach space, producing fresh technologies and investing in inventive missions that deliver outcomes that improve life here on Earth."

In a related announcement, Australian cricket legend Steve Waugh was introduced as Space Machines Company's new ambassador. "Space and space exploration has always fascinated me," stated Waugh. "Attending this year's Bengaluru Space Expo with Space Machines Company to celebrate their Space MAITRI mission has opened my eyes to some of the incredible companies, people and technologies propelling the global space industry forward and addressing critical challenges. Returning to India specifically to support Space Machines Company in reaching this significant milestone is extremely exciting, and I'm honoured to play a role in strengthening Australian-Indian space relations."