Australia's largest spacecraft to be launched by ISRO's SSLV

Written By Josh Keegan

ISRO's SSLV launching Australia's largest spacecraft:

  • The Optimus spacecraft is set to be the largest Australian-designed and built spacecraft, and it aims to enhance in-orbit inspection, repair, and upgrade capabilities.

  • The launch services agreement was signed between ISRO's commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and the Australian company Space Machines Company.

  • Australia is investing up to US$ 18 million as part of a broader agreement with the Indian government to launch three Australian satellites.

  • Space Machines Company has an R&D facility in Bengaluru and is focusing on inspecting, repairing, and upgrading in-orbit infrastructure.

  • The SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) is designed to carry up to 500 kg payloads to an orbit around 500 km above Earth, meeting the global demand for smaller launch vehicles.

  • The SSLV has had two development launches, with the first one failing and the second one successfully placing the payload into orbit.

This is a very interesting outcome considering the very first payload was lost back in April 2024: https://www.aussienaut.space/australianspacenews/2024/4/23/aussie-spacecraft-lost-in-space-before-completing-mission-wzrgj

Original article: https://indbiz.gov.in/isros-sslv-to-launch-australias-largest-spacecraft/

Josh Keegan

https://aussienaut.space
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