Perth, April 24 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Officials from ISTRAC met India’s Consul General in Perth, Kajari Biswas, during their transit visit to Australia, as Australia and India continue to advance cooperation in the space sector.
The delegation called on the Consul General while en route to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, where key support infrastructure for India’s upcoming human spaceflight mission is being operationalised.
During the interaction, discussions centred on the progress of Gaganyaan and the growing collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Australian Space Agency. Officials highlighted the importance of sustained engagement in strengthening bilateral ties in emerging and strategic sectors.
Australia and India had signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2021 to enhance cooperation in civil space activities, paving the way for deeper collaboration in areas such as satellite tracking, data sharing, and mission support systems.
As part of preparations for the Gaganyaan mission, ISRO has established a transportable telemetry, tracking and command (TTC) facility at the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The installation is expected to play a critical role in supporting mission operations, including real-time tracking and communication.
Gaganyaan, India’s first human spaceflight mission, is expected to place the country among a select group of nations with independent human spaceflight capability. The mission has been a focal point of India’s expanding space ambitions and international partnerships.
Officials noted that the ongoing engagement reflects the strengthening Australia-India strategic partnership, with space cooperation emerging as a key area of mutual interest and technological collaboration.
