Space Machines Company, an Australian-Indian in-space servicing firm, has secured a Launch Service Agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), marking a significant step in Australia-India space collaboration. NSIL, the commercial arm of ISRO, will launch Space Machines Company’s Optimus spacecraft aboard SSLV in 2026.
Mission Objectives
Named Space MAITRI, the mission focuses on technology, research, and innovation between Australia and India, emphasizing debris management and sustainable space operations.
Official Announcement
The agreement was formalized at the India Space Congress 2024 in Delhi by Rajat Kulshrestha (Space Machines Company) and Radhakrishnan Durairaj (NSIL).
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- Who signed the Launch Service Agreement at the India Space Congress 2024?
- A) Rajat Kulshrestha and Philip Green OAM
- B) Radhakrishnan Durairaj and Enrico Palermo
- C) Rajat Kulshrestha and Radhakrishnan Durairaj
- D) Enrico Palermo and Philip Green OAM
- Answer: C) Rajat Kulshrestha and Radhakrishnan Durairaj
- What is the name of the mission between Australia and India for technology, research, and innovation in space?
- A) Space ISRO
- B) Space SSLV
- C) Space MAITRI
- D) Space Optimus
- Answer: C) Space MAITRI
- Which rocket will launch the Optimus spacecraft for Space Machines Company?
- A) GSLV
- B) PSLV
- C) SSLV
- D) ASLV
- Answer: C) SSLV