The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) announced on Thursday that it has signed an Implementation Agreement (IA) with the Australian Space Agency (ASA) to bolster cooperation on space activities, particularly focusing on the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first crewed spaceflight program.
The agreement, signed on November 20 by D K Singh, Director of Isro's Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), and Jarrod Powell, General Manager of ASA's Space Capability Branch, aims to enhance collaboration on crew and crew module recovery efforts for the mission.
Key objectives of the agreement
The IA facilitates Australia’s role in supporting search and rescue operations and crew module recovery, especially in scenarios where the ascent phase of the mission may require an emergency abort near Australian waters.
ISRO stated, "The IA enables the Australian authorities to work with Indian authorities to ensure support for search and rescue of crew and recovery of crew module as part of a contingency plan for ascent phase that aborts near Australian waters."
About the Gaganyaan Mission
Gaganyaan is Isro's ambitious human spaceflight program designed to demonstrate India's capability to send a crewed module to Low Earth Orbit. The mission aims to carry up to three crew members for three days and ensure their safe return to Earth.
Strengthening strategic partnership
The agreement underscores the enduring strategic partnership between India and Australia. Both nations are committed to exploring current and future collaborations in space exploration, reflecting their shared ambition to advance space technologies and operations.