New Delhi: An Indian space startup developing a reusable launch vehicle is looking outside domestic borders to prepare for its debut orbital flight, entering into an agreement with a Japanese spaceport developer to evaluate future launch infrastructure. Ahmedabad-based Omspace Rocket and Exploration has signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan-based Astro Gate Inc. to study the integration of its upcoming Infinity One rocket with the Japanese firm's planned spaceport network.
The pact was finalized during the 77th International Astronautical Congress held in Antalya, Turkiye. While Omspace currently aims for an initial orbital launch of the Infinity One in January 2028, the partnership does not guarantee a finalized launch date or a definitive operational site. Rather, the agreement establishes a framework for technical coordination regarding how the vehicle and ground support systems will operate together.
The cooperative effort extends beyond simply finding a launch venue. Both companies intend to study how the Infinity One can execute landings, undergo necessary maintenance, and prepare for subsequent flights utilizing Astro Gate's projected facilities. The overarching goal is to streamline inter-flight operations, targeting a potential turnaround window of 24 to 48 hours between launches.
Achieving this operational cadence would significantly benefit the startup's ambition to field a fully reusable launch system. By recovering and reusing the first-stage booster that provides initial propulsion, the company hopes to avoid building fresh hardware for every mission and ultimately decrease launch expenses. Astro Gate confirmed that the one-year technical framework agreement will span from October 2026 to October 2027.
Omspace is designing the Infinity One specifically to transport small satellites into low Earth orbit, where spacecraft commonly support telecommunications, Earth observation, and scientific investigations. This initiative coincides with a broader expansion of India's commercial space ecosystem, as private enterprises transition from supplying components to building and operating complete launch systems under recent space-sector reforms.
In addition to the Japanese collaboration, Omspace has partnered with Spain-based Arkadia Space to investigate flight demonstrations of propulsion technologies aboard the Infinity One, offering the Spanish firm a platform for in-space testing. At this stage, the agreement with Astro Gate represents an initial phase in securing the operational infrastructure required for commercial reusable rocketry, with future success relying heavily on ongoing development, testing, and regulatory milestones leading up to the targeted 2028 launch window.