ISRO's SSLV Set for Historic Australian Satellite Launch

ISRO's commercial arm NSIL has announced the first dedicated commercial launch of its SSLV rocket. The launch will place the Optimus satellite, built by Space Machines Company, into orbit. This mission, called Space MAITRI, signifies a key milestone in Australia-India space collaboration and promotes sustainable space operations.

ISRO's commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), unveiled plans for the first dedicated commercial launch of its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), which will put into orbit the Optimus satellite, developed by Australia’s Space Machines Company.

The official announcement was made during the India Space Congress, organised by the Satcom Industry Association-India, highlighting a pioneering cross-national collaboration. The Optimus spacecraft, weighing 450 kilogrammes, marks the largest Australian-designed and built satellite to date.

This landmark mission, named Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation), underscores a significant advancement in the strategic partnership between Australia and India. By focusing on sustainable space operations and space debris management, the initiative aims to fortify ties between commercial, institutional, and governmental space organisations of both nations.