Isro signs agreement with Australian space agency for Gaganyaan mission | India News – Times of India

The Indian Space Research Organization (Isro) on Thursday announced that it has signed an Implementation Agreement (IA) with the Australian Space Agency (ASA) to strengthen cooperation in space activities, with a special focus on the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first manned space program.
The agreement, signed on November 20 by DK Singh, director of Isro’s Human Space Flight Center (HSFC), and Jarrod Powell, general manager of ASA’s Space Capability Branch, aims to enhance cooperation in the recovery of crew and crew modules for the mission.
Main 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 stop near Australian waters.
ISRO stated: “The IA enables the Australian authorities to work with the Indian authorities to ensure support for the search and rescue of the crew and the recovery of the crew module as part of a contingency plan for the ascent phase aborted near the Australian waters.”
About the Gaganyaan Mission
Gaganyaan is Isro’s ambitious human space flight program designed to demonstrate India’s ability to send a manned module to Low Earth Orbit. The mission aims to transport three crew members for three days and ensure their safe return to Earth.
Strengthening the strategic partnership
The agreement underlines the enduring strategic partnership between India and Australia. Both countries are committed to exploring current and future collaborations in space exploration, reflecting their shared ambition to advance space technologies and operations.