A 12-member Australian space industry delegation is in Bengaluru for the 9th edition of Bengaluru Space Expo 2026, with companies looking at commercial
and research partnerships across India’s growing space sector.
The delegation is being led by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, or Austrade. Australia is one of the Tech Country partners at BSX 2026. The visiting companies are presenting capabilities in areas such as Earth observation, electric propulsion, launch services, space biology, AI research, communications and radiation testing.
Australia and India announce new space partnerships
One of the key developments involves Australian company LatConnect 60 and NewSpace India Limited. The two are entering into an agreement that will allow LatConnect 60’s SWIRSAT mission to use NSIL ground-station infrastructure in India for mission operations and data downlink.
The University of Western Australia and the Space Industry Association of India are planning cooperation through the UWA Global Engagement Alliance. The proposed work will cover education, research and industry engagement.
Australian firm Space Angel Group is separately working with India’s Inbound Aerospace on possible recovery operations for an autonomous reusable capsule and returned microgravity payloads. The two sides are examining technical requirements and the return authorisation process.
Space Angel is also collaborating with Red Balloon Aerospace on future commercial missions involving spacecraft recovery and resources returned from celestial bodies.
Australian delegation visits Indian space companies
Apart from taking part in the expo, the Australian delegation has visited Indian companies to study the local space ecosystem and identify possible projects.
Nathan Davis, Trade and Investment Commissioner at Austrade in New Delhi, said, “Australia and India have built a strong foundation for cooperation in space, and the Australian delegation at BSX 2026 is about taking that relationship into its next commercial chapter.”
The delegation visit is supported by the Australian Space Agency, the Government of Western Australia, Invest and Trade Western Australia and the Space Industry Association of Australia.
India’s private space sector has expanded in recent years, creating more room for foreign companies, universities and research groups to work with Indian firms on manufacturing, mission support, communications and space technology.
