India U.S Joint Collaboration For Developing Space Technologies Under INDUS-X

The US Air Force Research Laboratory Space Force first non-domestic CRADAs with Indian start-ups 114AI and 3rd Itech are part of the India-U.S. Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) launched on June 21, 2023.

INDUS-X is a joint initiative by the U.S. Department of Defense and the Indian Ministry of Defence to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced defense technologies through collaboration between the two countries. The initiative is focused on six key areas:

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Cybersecurity
• Space technologies
• Hypersonic technologies
• Directed energy technologies
• Quantum technologies

On 26 Oct 2023 The US Air Force Research Laboratory Space Force (AFRL Space Force) has announced that it will be collaborating with two Indian start-ups on space technologies. This collaboration is part of the AFRL Space Force efforts to foster innovation and develop new technologies for the space domain.

The AFRL Space Force is particularly interested in collaborating with Indian start-ups that are developing technologies in the following areas:

• Spacecraft propulsion
• Spacecraft communications
• Spacecraft sensors
• Spacecraft materials
• Spacecraft manufacturing
• Spacecraft ground support systems

These are the Space Force first CRADA with non-U.S. companies.

The CRADAs between the U.S. AFRL Space Force and 114AI and 3rd Itech will focus on developing new technologies for space domain awareness and Earth observation. Space domain awareness is the ability to detect, track, and characterize objects and activities in space. Earth observation is the use of satellite and other remote sensing technologies to collect data about the Earth surface.

The agreements are with artificial intelligence start-up 114AI, which builds dual-use software for space domain awareness, and 3rd Itech, an imaging sensor supplier and developer of computer chips, integrated circuits and other semiconductor technologies.

These CRADAs are a significant step forward in the collaboration between the U.S. and India on space technologies. The technologies developed through these CRADAs could have a major impact on the space capabilities of both countries.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, a prominent U.S. defense contractor specializing in advanced unmanned aircraft for the Pentagon, had previously established strategic partnerships with both 114AI and 3rd Itech.

The U.S AFRL Space Force will provide Indian start-ups with access to its facilities and expertise, as well as funding to support their research and development efforts. The U.S AFRL Space Force is also willing to provide mentorship and guidance to Indian start-ups.

This collaboration is a win-win for both the US Air Force Research Laboratory Space Force and Indian start-ups. The US Air Force Research Laboratory Space Force will gain access to innovative new technologies that can be used to develop new capabilities for the US Space Force. Indian start-ups will gain access to funding, expertise, and mentorship that can help them to develop and commercialize their technologies.

The collaboration between the US Air Force Research Laboratory Space Force and Indian start-ups is a positive development for the space industry. It is a sign that the US and India are committed to working together to develop new technologies that can benefit both countries.