Indian spacetech startup Digantara has partnered with Australia for a space debris management project. It is called the Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation (Maitri). The joint initiative is led by Space Machines Company and it has secured over AUD $8.5 million (Rs 46 crore) in grants from the Australian Space Agency under the International Space Investment (ISI) India Projects programme.

Digantara specializes in space situational awareness (SSA). It is learned that the company would be playing an important role in the collaboration. It will contribute its expertise in managing space debris. Alongside, Ananth Technologies from Hyderabad will also provide engineering support as well as access to cleanroom facilities for integration and testing.

The Maitri mission aims to showcase advancements in space debris management. It simultaneously encourage for a sustainable space environment. The process involved in the mission is deploying an Australian-built Orbital Servicing Vehicle with the help of an Indian launcher. Space Machines Company will partner with Digantara to integrate cutting-edge optical sensor technology onto this vehicle. This will enhance monitoring capabilities for Resident Space Objects (RSOs) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) as well as improve the space traffic management.

India and Australia seek to utilize their technological strengths through the collaboration and thereafter deepen cooperation in the space sector. Digantara is headquartered in Bengaluru and is dedicated to tackling space operational challenges and enhancing situational awareness with its innovative platform.

The plan is to deploy 40 satellites supported by a Space-Mission Assurance Platform (Space-MAP) and Digantara is to lead advancements in space technology as well as contribute to a safer and more sustainable space environment. The collaboration definitely highlights the importance of international cooperation and particularly when it comes to tackling complex space challenges and propelling innovation in the field of space exploration.