Sydney: Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has backed India’s space ambitions, saying the country could become a “space powerhouse” over the next two to three decades as its space economy develops.
In July, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the establishment of temporary space-tracking infrastructure on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to support India’s maiden human spaceflight mission.
Speaking online at the Indo-Mediterranean Dialogues, he said India’s geography, industrial strength and rising technology base give it potential to build a much larger role in the space sector.
His comments come as India is developing its space programme beyond traditional satellite launches and building capabilities in human spaceflight, private-sector space activity and advanced space technology. The country has also been encouraging private companies to take a larger role in the space sector, creating opportunities in areas ranging from satellite manufacturing and launch services to communications and space-based applications. India’s space programme has earned international recognition through missions led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), including the Chandrayaan lunar missions and the successful Mars Orbiter Mission. The Gaganyaan programme is now one of the country’s major priorities as the country prepares for its first human spaceflight mission. Australia has also taken steps to support India’s developing space programme.
“I think India will be a space powerhouse over the next 20 to 30 years as its space economy matures,” Morrison said.
