Ministers for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Australia and India are building on a long-standing space partnership by collaborating on India’s landmark Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Program.
Australia will play a critical role in supporting all four of the program’s planned missions through essential space tracking capability from its Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI). The CKI tracking terminal has now been successfully commissioned, ready for the Gaganyaan program’s first uncrewed test flight, which is expected to launch soon from India’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
The Australian Space Agency is leading Australia’s contribution, working with other government agencies and Australian defence and space company Nova Systems to establish temporary telemetry terminals on CKI to track the four Gaganyaan missions.
Led by the Indian Space Research Organisation, the Gaganyaan program’s goal is to carry three humans to Low Earth Orbit for a three-day mission, before bringing them safely back to Earth.
Australia and India’s space cooperation is underpinned by a formal Memorandum of Understanding. The success of the program will see India become only the fourth nation to send astronauts into space through its own national program.
India and Australia have an enduring partnership on space and related areas, with cooperation covering strategically important areas such as advanced manufacturing, space exploration, artificial intelligence and space situational awareness.
The commissioning was announced by Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Modi during the Third Australia-India Annual Summit in Melbourne, who also highlighted the importance of strengthening space cooperation, including industry-to-industry partnerships.
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories of Australia, the Hon Kristy McBain:
“I am pleased the Cocos Islands are playing such a key role in supporting this historic mission. By providing vital telemetry tracking for the program, the islands are contributing to a global effort that advances human exploration and strengthens Australia’s position as a trusted partner in space collaboration.
“This is a proud moment for the region, underscoring the strategic importance of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to Australia and the world.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Dr Andrew Charlton:
“India is one of Australia’s most important economic partners, with its ambitious national space program and rapidly growing commercial space sector a key driver strengthening our relationship.
“This collaboration highlights Australia’s role as a trusted partner in space and reaffirms our commitment to advancing science, innovation and international cooperation across the global space sector.”
Quotes attributable to Government of Western Australia’s Minister for Science and Innovation, the Hon Stephen Dawson MLC:
“Our location and established infrastructure gives our region a genuine edge in space tracking, mission support and space-enabled services.
“This achievement is another example of what WA delivers to the global space industry, reliable ground capability, strong research and an innovation pipeline that supports missions, services and advanced manufacturing.”
Quotes attributable to Head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo:
“Australia’s support for this program underscores the strength of our bilateral partnership with India and demonstrates the unique way Australia can support global human spaceflight missions.
“Our unmatched geographic advantages make Australia a desirable partner for space launches and returns – with our wide-open ranges, coastlines and access to targeted orbits – but also for critical space tracking capability, thanks to our distinctive and clear view of the sky.”