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US Space Force Partners with Indian Start-ups in Ground-breaking CRADAs

By Chetan Majgaonkar --
Tuesday, 31 Oct, 2023

114AI and 3rd ITECH, two Indian space entrepreneurs, have signed their first-ever Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) with the US Space Force and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

These agreements are meant to foster collaboration in cutting-edge technologies without requiring the transfer of public funding to business partners.

According to AFRL's media release, these CRADAs represent a critical step in furthering innovation in Earth observation sensors and space domain awareness. These include the provision of equipment, access to laboratory space, and the sharing of experience. The accords follow a historic meeting between US President Mr. Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi in June. In order to improve collaboration in the military sector and technology transfer, they introduced the India-U.S. military Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) during this summit.

In addition, Prime Minister Modi enrolled India in the NASA-led Artemis Accords during his first formal state visit. These agreements set standards for space exploration and utilization and are an essential part of US policy to avert space-related conflicts in the future. This tactic is especially crucial as countries compete for access to orbital assets including cislunar space, water supplies, and key minerals.

The Artemis Accords also serve as a diplomatic counterweight to China, which has been expanding its space portfolio and lunar ambitions.

It is important to remember that 3rd ITECH and 114AI are established players in the US space business. Prior to this, both businesses established strategic alliances with San Diego-based General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems (GA-AS). Cutting edge semiconductor technology was co-designed and co-developed by 3rd ITECH and GA-AS. Concurrently, GA-AS and 114AI established a distinct contract to utilize AI technologies for multi-domain awareness.

Additionally, 114AI became well-known in 2020 after taking home a prize from the US-UK-sponsored "International Space Pitch Day." The UK Defense and Security Accelerator (DASA) and Starburst Accelerator sponsored this competition, which allowed businesses from all across the world to present their concepts. Kick-start funding were awarded to 10 firms from Australia, the US, and the UK, including 114AI.

In conclusion, these CRADAs mark a significant milestone in international space cooperation, with India and the United States working together to advance technology and strengthen their positions in the rapidly evolving space industry.

US Space Force Partners with Indian Start-ups in Ground-breaking CRADAs. 114AI and 3rd ITECH, two Indian space entrepreneurs, have signed their first-ever Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) with the US Space Force and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

These agreements are meant to foster collaboration in cutting-edge technologies without requiring the transfer of public funding to business partners.

According to AFRL's media release, these CRADAs represent a critical step in furthering innovation in Earth observation sensors and space domain awareness. These include the provision of equipment, access to laboratory space, and the sharing of experience. The accords follow a historic meeting between US President Mr. Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi in June. In order to improve collaboration in the military sector and technology transfer, they introduced the India-U.S. military Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) during this summit.

In addition, Prime Minister Modi enrolled India in the NASA-led Artemis Accords during his first formal state visit. These agreements set standards for space exploration and utilization and are an essential part of US policy to avert space-related conflicts in the future. This tactic is especially crucial as countries compete for access to orbital assets including cislunar space, water supplies, and key minerals.

The Artemis Accords also serve as a diplomatic counterweight to China, which has been expanding its space portfolio and lunar ambitions.

It is important to remember that 3rd ITECH and 114AI are established players in the US space business. Prior to this, both businesses established strategic alliances with San Diego-based General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems (GA-AS). Cutting edge semiconductor technology was co-designed and co-developed by 3rd ITECH and GA-AS. Concurrently, GA-AS and 114AI established a distinct contract to utilize AI technologies for multi-domain awareness.

Additionally, 114AI became well-known in 2020 after taking home a prize from the US-UK-sponsored "International Space Pitch Day." The UK Defense and Security Accelerator (DASA) and Starburst Accelerator sponsored this competition, which allowed businesses from all across the world to present their concepts. Kick-start funding were awarded to 10 firms from Australia, the US, and the UK, including 114AI.

In conclusion, these CRADAs mark a significant milestone in international space cooperation, with India and the United States working together to advance technology and strengthen their positions in the rapidly evolving space industry.