Space Machines deepens Indian space ties

In-space servicing firm Space Machines Company has forged strategic partnerships with two Indian space businesses, aerospace and defence manufacturer Ananth Technologies and space infrastructure company Digantara.

The partnerships will play a pivotal role in the upcoming Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation) mission and the launch of Space Machines Company’s second Optimus satellite.

Scheduled for 2026, the satellite will be deployed aboard NewSpace India Limited’s (NSIL) Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).

Space Machines Company’s CEO and Co-Founder Rajat Kulshrestha signed the two agreements at the Bengaluru Space Expo (BSX) 2024 in Bengaluru, India.

Kulshrestha said: “These partnerships represent a significant milestone for both the Space MAITRI mission and Australia’s growing connection with India’s space sector.

“We’ll work closely with Ananth Technologies and Digantara throughout the Space MAITRI project lifecycle, leveraging each company’s advanced engineering, logistic and situation space awareness capabilities.”

Ananth Technologies will provide Assembly Integration and Testing (AIT) and comprehensive engineering and logistics support throughout the Space MAITRI programme.

This will include the safe transportation and handling of all spacecraft components in India, testing in its cleanroom facilities in Bengaluru, and launch site spacecraft fueling.

Digantara will work with Space Machines Company, integrating their short-range electro-optical payload onto Optimus.

This payload will track short-range resident space objects (operational satellites, failed satellites, debris, etc.), allowing Optimus to execute close approach manoeuvres when approaching in-orbit objects.

Digantara CEO Anirudh Sharma said: “Our collaborative work with Space Machines Company will enable Optimus to track and engage short-range resident space objects, a vital capability when executing close approach manoeuvres during on-orbit operations.”

Picture: Space Machines Company