Australia to Support India's Gaganyaan Space Mission with Temporary Tracking Station

Australia is going to be the new link in India's space mission Gaganyaan. Australia will set up a temporary tracking station in its Cocos Keeling Islands for India's first human space flight program. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced this in a joint press conference with PM Narendra Modi on Thursday (July 9, 2026). Albanese said, "Both countries have decided to work together in the space and technology sector. We have agreed to build a temporary space tracking terminal in Cocos Keeling Island, which will support India's human space flight program, Gaganyaan." India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also told the press conference that India and Australia have agreed to increase cooperation in many new areas, including the space sector. He said, "Apart from building a tracking terminal in Cocos Island, some more steps have also been discussed. PM Albanese has also hinted at increasing cooperation in many more areas." Through the initial tracking of Gaganyaan and four mocking missions, Gaganyaan's research crew will get India's support.