TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) signed new agreements on Monday, March 19, strengthening their space exploration and technology partnership, the Indian Embassy in Jakarta said in a written statement.

The agreement, attended by Dr. Laksana Tri Handoko, BRIN Chairman and India’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr. Sandeep Chakravorty, underscores a deepening space collaboration between India and Indonesia.

The ceremony in Jakarta marked the signing of the Implementation Agreement on Transfer of Title of Integrated Biak Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) Facilities and Implementing Arrangement on Operation, Maintenance and Utilisation of Integrated Biak Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) Facilities for Satellites and Launch Vehicles.

Ambassador Chakravorty highlighted the rapid growth and activities in India's space sector, especially mentioning the progress of the ‘Gaganyaan’ mission, India's first human spaceflight program, slated for completion in 2025. He also acknowledged the ongoing selection and training of astronauts for the mission.

In his remarks, the Ambassador praised Indonesia's advancements in space communications and expressed India's interest in collaborating with Indonesia, especially in microsatellites. Dr. Laksana welcomed the agreements and expressed optimism for ongoing and increased cooperation between the two nations' space sectors.

This collaboration continues the bilateral cooperation initiated with the Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement on Cooperation in the Exploration and Uses of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes. Signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indonesia in May 2018, the framework laid the groundwork for this transfer of title and further cooperation in operations, management, and the establishment of additional ground stations.

The partnership between India and Indonesia in space technology and exploration dates back to 1999 with the establishment of the first TTC station at Biak. Subsequent agreements in 2002 and 2005 expanded this cooperation, leading to the establishment of a second TTC. These latest agreements are expected to significantly enhance the space cooperation between India and Indonesia, marking a new era of collaborative space exploration and technology development.

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