Australia and India are expanding their technology partnership, with new funding to support a joint space project focused on environmental monitoring and climate change.
The Australian Government will provide almost $2.7 million to develop an Australian-made payload for inclusion in the Indian Space Research Organisation’s G20 Satellite Mission for Environment and Climate Observation. The mission is led by the Indian Space Research Organisation and aims to strengthen global efforts to track environmental pressures.
The project will be led by an Australian industry partner working with several Australian and Indian collaborators. It is intended to deepen space cooperation between the two countries while opening commercial opportunities in a fast-growing global market.
This latest funding builds on $18 million committed by the Australian Government in 2024 to three joint space initiatives with India. Those projects focus on supporting the net zero transition, advancing artificial intelligence, and strengthening advanced manufacturing and industrial capability. They are already generating high-technology roles within Australia’s space sector.
Australia and India have maintained close ties in space for years. Australia played a role in tracking India’s landing near the lunar south pole in 2023 and is supporting India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human space flight mission, further reinforcing technical collaboration between the two nations.
Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Andrew Charlton said the partnership delivers tangible benefits.
“Australia’s relationship with India is a critical one and our space partnership is delivering great outcomes that mutually benefit our nations and region more broadly.
“This project demonstrates how space addresses our biggest challenges, while also driving technology development across industries that enhance productivity and secure Australia’s future prosperity.
“These investments also generate opportunities for our space companies to break into new supply chains and pursue other commercial opportunities that will grow our economy and create new high-tech jobs.”
Head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo, said India remains a key commercial partner.
“India is one of Australia’s biggest commercial partners in space and has a sector that is among the fastest growing in the world.
“Our partnerships with India are already creating new jobs and lifting our industrial capability here at home – emphasising the benefits that come from working strategically with our international partners to tackle shared issues.”
Further details on the project and application process have been made available by the government, with industry participants invited to take part in the development of the payload.
Maria Irene is India Correspondent for The Indian Sun, reporting on technology, finance, culture, and diaspora stories across India and Australia, with a special focus on initiatives led by the Australian High Commission and its Consulates across India.
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