Indian Startup Joins Indo-Aus Mission To Manage Space Debris

05/02/2024 < 1 Minute Read

Indian Spacetech Startup Digantara has been selected for a joint India-Australia space mission to manage debris in space.

Digantara will join a clutch of spacetech companies under the “Space-MAITRI” (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research, and Innovation) project, which recently received an AUD 8.5 Mn (INR 46 Cr) grant from the Australian Space Agency.

The Bengaluru-based startup will integrate its proprietary optical sensor technology into the Orbital Servicing Vehicle (OSV) developed by its partner Australian firm, Space Machines Company. This integration will enable the monitoring of resident space objects (RSOs) in low-earth orbit (LEO), and enhance space traffic management and debris monitoring.

In addition, another Indian spacetech startup Ananth Technologies will offer its engineering expertise and access to cleanroom facilities for the integration and testing.

Anirudh Sharma, Digantara cofounder and CEO said, “With the support of the Australian Space Agency, this partnership merges complementary technologies to turn our shared vision of a sustainable space ecosystem into reality. This initiative not only redefines space operations but also highlights the collaborative spirit between India and Australia in advancing innovations in space,”.

Rajat Kulshrestha, Space Machines Company’s Founder and CEO said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Digantara, an innovative Indian company… By integrating Digantara’s cutting-edge optical sensor technology onto our platform, we will significantly enhance our capability to monitor and track resident space objects in low-earth orbit..”