MISSION NAME
Space MAITRI
Status
TBD
DATE
31 DEC 2026
LAUNCH PROVIDER
Indian Space Research Organization
Launch Pad
Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad
Description
Space Machines Company (SMC)'s second Optimus Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV), will launch on a mission designated Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation). The mission will focus on debris management and sustainability, and will significantly advance Australia’s domestic space industry by combining Australian spacecraft capabilities with India's launch expertise. After separation, Optimus will perform a series of propulsive on-orbit maneuvers to inspect a space object in close proximity. It will then spend several months on orbit examining space debris to demonstrate affordable and accessible space sustainability technologies.
SSLV
Rocket Description
Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (or SSLV) is a launch vehicle being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) with payload capacity of 500 kg to Low Earth orbit or 300 kg to Sun synchronous orbit for launching small satellites, with the capability to support multiple orbital drop-offs.