To bolster space cooperation between India and Australia, the Australian government has announced funding for joint projects involving Ananth Technologies and the IISc-incubated Digantara under the International Space Investment India (ISI) programme.
The funding, totaling AUD 17.6 million (approximately Rs 95 crore), will support three collaborative projects aimed at advancing space technology and research endeavors.
Exploring New Frontiers
Among the highlighted ventures, one project focuses on the development of a low earth orbit satellite stationed in Australia. This satellite aims to gather high-resolution data on carbon emissions, offering valuable insights into environmental trends and aiding in climate change mitigation efforts.
Another project aims at addressing the issue of space debris, a growing concern in the realm of space exploration. This initiative involves deploying an Australian-built orbital service vehicle via an Indian launcher, with the goal of mitigating space debris and ensuring safer orbital environments for future missions.
Additionally, a third project aims to establish a robust position, navigation, and timing system to facilitate connectivity among large-scale satellite constellations. This system holds promise for enhancing communication and navigation capabilities, crucial for various space-based applications.
Fostering Bilateral Ties
Ed Husic, the Australian minister for industry and science, emphasized the potential of these collaborative endeavors to strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and Australia. He highlighted the mutual benefits these projects can bring to both nations and the broader region.
Collaborative Efforts
The collaborative projects involve key players from both countries’ space sectors. Australian companies such as Space Machines Company, Skykraft, and LatConnect60 join forces with Indian counterparts like Skyroot from Hyderabad. Additionally, support from entities like NewSpace India Limited, the National Remote Sensing Centre, and the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology in New Delhi underscores the multi-faceted nature of these partnerships.
Envisioning Future Collaborations
The ISI programme underscores a shared vision to foster India-Australia collaborations aimed at delivering critical space-related products and services. By leveraging each other’s expertise and resources, these joint initiatives aim to propel advancements in space technology while nurturing enduring partnerships between the two nations.
