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

News-CRUX-10     28th June 2024        
QEP Pocket Notes

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.



QEP Pocket Notes