RT team
The Australian government has entered into an $18-million deal with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial branch of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Announced by Australian High Commissioner Philip Green in New Delhi, this partnership will see the launch of Australia’s largest satellite to date via ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) in 2026. This initiative was revealed during the Indian Space Congress 2024, highlighting a significant advancement in Indo-Australian space relations.
Rajat Kulshrestha, co-founder of Space Machines, the Australian firm involved, expressed that the payload will serve for satellite inspection and observation. This agreement is part of broader efforts to increase the annual launch capacity of SSLVs to 20-30, responding to the growing global demand for small satellite deployment.
This collaboration not only boosts India’s profile in global space commerce but also involves multiple stakeholders within India’s burgeoning private space sector. Among them is Ananth Technologies, a veteran in supplying components and engineering solutions to ISRO.
Further enhancing the SSLV program, Pawan Goenka, chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (In-Space), noted that SSLV’s privatization process is ongoing, with six bidders currently shortlisted.
The partnership marks a pivotal moment for both nations, promising increased capacity for future missions, including ambitious projects like landing an Indian astronaut on the moon by 2040. The two countries also plan joint space conferences in November to foster further collaboration.
