SPACE MAITRI MISSION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Recently, the Australian government signed an $18 million memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, as part of the space MAITRI mission.

Space MAITRI Mission

• About: Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India's Technology, Research and Innovation) signifies a significant advancement in the space collaboration between India and Australia.
• Objective: The mission aims to strengthen bonds among commercial, institutional, and governmental space entities of both nations.
• Focus on Debris Management: It emphasizes debris management and sustainability, aligning with mutual goals of responsible space practices.
• Launch Agreement: NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) will launch Australia’s Space Machines Company's Optimus spacecraft in 2026.
• Optimus Spacecraft: The 450kg Optimus spacecraft will be the largest Australian-designed and built satellite, launched using ISRO's SSLV.

NewSpace India Limited

• About: It is company under the Department of Space and the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• Establishment: Incorporated in March 2019, NSIL was established to advance space-related ventures in India.
• Headquarters: Bengaluru
• Role: It plays a pivotal role under India's 2020 space policy reforms, facilitating operational satellite missions based on demand.
• Responsibilities: NSIL is entrusted with building, launching, owning, and operating satellites, providing comprehensive services to its clientele.