Australian government signs $18 million MoU with ISRO's commercial arm
- In Reports
- 07:19 PM, Jun 26, 2024
- Myind Staff
Australian government announced a significant memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth $18 million with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
This partnership, unveiled during the inaugural day of the India Space Congress, focuses on a collaboration with Space Machines, an Australian firm set to deploy a satellite inspection and observation payload aboard ISRO's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) slated for 2026.
Rajat Kulshrestha, co-founder of Space Machines, highlighted that this upcoming launch will mark Australia's largest satellite deployment to date. The initiative underscores Australia's growing role in space exploration and technology, bolstered by collaborative efforts with Indian space entities.
During the announcement, ISRO Chairman S Somanath outlined the agency's strategic objective of scaling up SSLV launches to 20-30 per year. This expansion aims to meet the escalating demand for small satellite launches globally, positioning India as a key player in the commercial satellite launch market.
Australian High Commissioner Philip Green, present at the India Space Congress, underscored the significance of the agreement, noting that it opens avenues for Australian satellites to be launched from the Indian subcontinent. Green highlighted that while Australia engages in various space collaborations globally, the partnership with India holds particular promise in leveraging India's launch capabilities and advancing Australia's space ambitions.
The MoU represents a pivotal step in enhancing bilateral space cooperation between Australia and India, aligning with both nations' aspirations to foster innovation, technological advancement, and economic growth in the space sector. It signals a deeper integration of Australia into the global space ecosystem, facilitated by collaborative efforts with India's established space infrastructure and expertise.
Pawan Goenka, chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), disclosed that the privatisation process of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is currently underway, with six identified bidders actively participating. The final decision on the privatisation initiative remains pending, and upon completion, the SSLV will transition to production and operation by the private sector.
During the India Space Congress, significant announcements included plans for upcoming joint space conferences between ISRO and the Australian government, scheduled for November. These conferences are designed to deepen collaboration and facilitate the exchange of expertise and knowledge between the space sectors of India and Australia. The initiatives aim to strengthen bilateral ties in space technology and exploration, paving the way for enhanced cooperation on future space missions and initiatives.
These developments underscore India's strategic efforts to enhance efficiency and innovation within its space programme through public-private partnerships, while also fostering international collaboration to advance global space exploration efforts. The forthcoming joint conferences represent a proactive step towards fostering deeper engagement and synergy between India and Australia in the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of space science and technology.
Image source: Money control News
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