Leading Australian in-space maintenance company Space Machines Company today launched Space MAITRI, an industry-led collaborative Australian-Indian mission to show advancements in space debris control and a sustainable space future.

Under the International Space Investment India Projects (ISI India Projects) program, the Australian Space Agency, on behalf of the Australian Government, has awarded a $8.5 million grant for the Space MAITRI project.

This program expands on the idea of a more comprehensive 2018 ISI project and is administered by the Australian Space Agency and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) Grants Delivery and Business Services.

The Space MAITRI mission, which aims to showcase sustainable space technologies, is headed by Space Machines Company. The number of satellites launched by different organizations has caused the amount of space junk surrounding Earth to rapidly increase. This presents a growing risk to astronaut safety as well as upcoming space missions. In order to address this, finding ways to maintain space, increase awareness, reduce debris, and enhance in-space services has become essential.

The Orbital Servicing Vehicle, developed in Australia by Space Machines Company, will be incorporated into Space MAITRI and launched from India aboard an ISRO rocket.

Through strong supply chain and research partnerships in the space sector, the mission will highlight sustainability, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing technologies between the two countries.

"As an Australian-Indian, I'm especially proud that the Sanskrit word 'MAITRI' meaning friendship and goodwill encapsulates the spirit of this pioneering international collaboration," said Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and Co-Founder of Space Machines Company.

Space Machines Company will be able to create a new vehicle at its Botany Sydney plant in collaboration with Australian and Indian organizations, marking the next phase of its ambitious journey. This will be made possible by Space MAITRI.

"Our vision is to provide long-term 'Roadside Assistance in Space', where spacecraft are repaired, refuelled, refurbished, recycled and removed at the end of life. By combining Australian innovation with Indian spaceflight heritage, we'll make important strides in ensuring a safe and sustainable orbital environment for future space activities."