Space

A RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile launches from USS Abraham Lincoln.

BAE Systems Australia awarded $270m contract to boost guided weapon component production

BAE Systems Australia has been awarded a $270 million contract to significantly increase the production of critical components and assemblies for the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2. The ESSM Block 2 is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile developed to protect warships from advanced anti-ship cruise missiles. It is in service with 12 countries and is equipped on the Royal Australian Navy Anzac class frigates and Hobart class air warfare destroyers. The new contract will greatly enhance capacity for Australian and allied forces and grow BAE Systems Australia’s ESSM workforce by 24 full time positions, including four new apprentices. BAE Systems Australia is the Australian industry lead in the North American Treaty Organisation ESSM Program. Since 1995 over 3000 sets of ESSM Block 1 components and assemblies have been delivered, with Block 2 supply commencing in 2021. The Company continues to expand domestic manufacture of guided weapons and has engaged a network of local suppliers to assist in the delivery of components to meet the needs of Australia and its allies. Andrew Gresham, Managing Director – Defence Delivery, BAE Systems Australia, said: “We’re proud to continue delivering as a trusted partner to Australia’s sovereign guided weapon manufacturing capability. “Increasing the rate of production of ESSM Block 2 components will ensure Australia and its allies continue to contribute to peace and stability while remaining protected. “This contract builds on decades of experience delivering domestic and export guided weapon programs and reinforces our position as a key enabler to the Commonwealth’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.”

Black Sky Industries launch in Australia a boost to sovereign defence industry capability

Defence industry and technology company Black Sky Industries has formally launched in Australia, announcing the establishment of its multi-million dollar headquarters in Logan, in South East Queensland as well as launch, test and manufacturing facilities throughout Western Queensland. Black Sky aims to greatly accelerate the production capability of sovereign scaled rocket motor and defence systems. Black Sky Industries, formerly known as Black Sky Aerospace, is Australia’s only sovereign developer and supplier of solid rocket propellant and solid rocket motors to the defence sector. Black Sky Industries was founded by aerospace, defence and manufacturing industry veterans Blake Nikolic and Karl Hemphill, and Dr Vu Tran, who co-founded $3 billion-plus technology startup Go1. L TO R: Black Sky Industries founders Dr Vu Tran, Blake Nikolic and Karl Hemphill. Black Sky has ambitions of creating hundreds of advanced manufacturing and defence industry jobs over the next decade. Recent key hires at the company include former L3Harris Technologies director David Johnson as general manager, enterprise development and defence innovation veteran Stephen Delo. Black Sky is reimagining how rockets are designed, developed and manufactured at scale. As a local producer of ammonium perchlorate (AP) – crucial to conventional solid rocket motors used in aerospace and defence industries – Black Sky produces solid rocket propellant and motors, and offers its homegrown, proprietary Wagtail Rocket Assisted Take-Off (RATO) technology for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and drones. Cortex1, Black Sky’s proprietary software platform, underpins all aspects of its operations, from research and development and manufacturing to powering products and platforms, including launch control, tracking and mapping through data-driven propellant formulation and characterisation technology using artificial intelligence. Black Sky’s rapid-fire pace to innovate is in line with a key tenet of the federal government’s 2024 National Defence Strategy, to better integrate existing and emerging technologies, […]

South Australian satellite Kanyini successfully launches into space

In an Australian first, South Australian owned and manufactured satellite Kanyini was successfully launched onboard a SpaceX rocket from the United States. Kanyini is the first State Government-funded satellite in the nation and was built by a local team of South Australian-based companies – SmartSat CRC, Inovor and Myriota. The $6.5 million mission is helping to create hi tech jobs in the state’s space sector and develop vital space capabilities in the State. Now that Kanyini is in orbit, the next milestone for the project is to establish stable communications through an operations centre located at Inovor Technologies in Lot Fourteen, Adelaide. Once fully commissioned, Kanyini will deliver critical space data for use by government and research institutions, particularly in the areas of sustainability and climate impacts. The research initiatives to be undertaken by Kanyini include early bushfire detection – with technology that can detect fires from space 500 times faster than traditional processing. The satellite will also support a program – led by South Australian Department for Environment and Water and Greening Adelaide – to sense urban heat islands in the state. Data collected by Kanyini will also be used to develop robust and trustworthy predictive AI capabilities that can accurately predict natural disaster events such as landslides and flooding, being led by Queensland University of Technology and European Space Agency Phi-Lab.

Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg to headline international space symposium in Brisbane

The first qualified astronaut under the Australian flag, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, will headline a major space symposium in Brisbane on 19-21 November 2024. The International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Automation in Space (i-SAIRAS) 2024 will bring its global delegates Down Under for the first time, with the event hosted by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency. i-SAIRAS 2024 will convene agencies, researchers, and industry professionals engaged in advancing the science and technology of robotics, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to shape the future of space. Australian astronaut Ms Bennell-Pegg completed her training with the European Space Agency in Germany this year and will soon return to work at the Australian Space Agency. “I’m excited to come home to Australia and share the knowledge I’ve gained from my training with our growing space and tech sectors,” Ms Bennell-Pegg said. “Australia has an increasing number of cutting-edge AI and robotics projects contributing to global space missions – including Roo-ver, the Australian Space Agency’s rover that will head to the Moon later this decade. “i-SAIRAS coming to our shores will provide an opportunity to strengthen our international partnerships and learn from each other as we develop technologies that enable research in space and enhance life on Earth.” Ms Bennell-Pegg will be joined by a range of other distinguished speakers, panellists, and researchers, focused on the theme New Frontiers: Harnessing AI, Automation and Robotics for Space Exploration and Earth’s Challenges. CSIRO’s Dr Jonathon Ralston, i-SAIRAS 2024 Chair, said the symposium is a unique event in the international space calendar. “For 25 years, i-SAIRAS has brought together experts from the international space community to explore the latest advances in AI, robotics, and automation,” Dr Ralston said. “This year, we are enhancing the program with a special focus on the interconnection between advancements on Earth and […]

Push-to-Talk technology successfully demonstrated on Fleet Space’s Centauri-4 satellite

Fleet Space and SmartSat collaboration leads to breakthrough in tactical communication capabilities. SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (SmartSat) has commended Fleet Space Technologies’ successful demonstration of satellite-enabled Push-to-Talk (PTT) capabilities as part of the Defence Space Command-funded ASCEND2LEO project. SmartSat and Safety from Space supported Fleet Space by adapting a variant of the ‘Beagle’ communications waveform, developed under previously SmartSat-funded projects, which Fleet Space implemented on the Centauri-4 satellite for this demonstration. This milestone in PTT capabilities opens a path to more secure, reliable, instantaneous communications across vast distances using highly advanced microsatellite architectures. ASCEND2LEO’s successful demonstration for the Australian Defence Force Joint Capabilities Group showed that Fleet Space’s Centauri satellites can be re-programmed to deliver high-quality, fit-for-purpose voice capabilities while in orbit. Voice capabilities for Fleet Space’s Centauri satellite were enabled via a software update, establishing a proof of concept for the Regenerative Voice System architecture underlying the ASCEND2LEO program. As a result, this demonstration validated the ability of highly adaptable microsatellite constellations to rapidly deliver purpose-built, high-quality SATCOM capabilities at scale to meet complex needs in diverse scenarios. ASCEND2LEO’s achievement was commended by Peter Kerr, SmartSat’s Defence & National Security Coordinator, who drove the concept for SmartSat’s involvement in the project by adapting and delivering the Beagle waveform. “Enabling an entirely new voice capability for a satellite that is already in orbit is a tremendous technical accomplishment. With this proof of concept, SmartSat is playing a critical role in helping the Australian industry develop SATCOM resiliency for Australian Defence and validate the Regenerative Voice System architecture, a powerful and ambitious approach undertaken by the ASCEND2LEO program.” During the live demonstration, hosted by the Defence Science & Technology Group (DSTG), Fleet Space’s PTT capabilities have met strict performance criteria for one-way voice transmission including voice quality, reliability, and link persistence across […]

UniSA launches new scaleup pathway for space startups

The University of South Australia’s Innovation & Collaboration Centre (ICC) and Australian Centre for Business Growth (AuCBG) have joined forces to offer space startups a fully funded scaleup pathway on top of a $10,000 equity-free acceleration stipend. Supported through South Australian Government funding, companies that graduate from the ICC’s six-month Venture Catalyst Space accelerator program and other space companies ready to scale, are now eligible to apply for the AuCBG’s six-month Growth Ramp scaleup program to take their business to the next level. South Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Defence and Space Industries Susan Close says the new space scaleup offering amplifies commercial viability for companies and their technology once exiting the Venture Catalyst Space accelerator program. “Space startups are shaping the future space economy and bringing incredible new technologies to life,” says Close. “Through the Venture Catalyst Space program, South Australia is ensuring that we have a mechanism to harness emerging talent with these innovative companies revolutionising the way we use space, while fostering a culture of collaboration across the space ecosystem. “Now with the addition of access to UniSA’s Growth Ramp program, we will be able to support businesses to scale up their operations; a key activity as our space ecosystem matures.” Since 2018, Venture Catalyst Space has supported 36 space startups. Program alumni have collectively raised more than $31 million in declared additional investment and gone on to create more than 220 new space jobs. The tailored program is one of a handful worldwide that specialises in developing commercial space ventures, supporting participants via equity-free funding, industry mentorship, business development support, access to university resources and a bustling startup community. The new space scaleup pathway is a game changer, explains ICC Deputy Director Craig Jones, creating even greater scope for space companies to achieve sustainable, long-term […]

Professor Andy Koronios, CEO, SmartSat CRC

SmartSat CRC increases investment in ACT to support Canberra’s new space agenda

Australia’s leading space research centre, SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), has announced a suite of new R&D projects and university appointments in support of the ACT Space Update 2023, bringing its joint investment in the ACT to over $7M. With the launch of the ACT Space Update 2023, SmartSat is amplifying this commitment by injecting new funds into research in space technologies addressing bushfire resilience, spacecraft system autonomy, space objects surveillance and cybersecurity. One of two new research projects co-funded by SmartSat and ACT Government brings together the Australian National University (ANU) and EOS Space Systems to deliver advanced manufacturing technologies for the OzFuel instrument. This is a key payload of an Earth Observation Resilience satellite mission that aims to improve continental scale fire management and environmental monitoring tailored specifically to Australian Eucalypt forests. The second project brings together Infinity Avionics, UNSW Canberra and Nominal Systems to develop capabilities in Space-Based Space Surveillance (SBSS), a vital tool for both defence and commercial space operations contending with the risks of navigating increasing debris and space objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). SmartSat has also recently approved funding research capabilities in cybersecurity and resilient artificial intelligence for space systems at UNSW Canberra. This is in addition to two SmartSat-backed Professorial Chairs at ANU: Professor Hanna Kurniawati, Professorial Chair for System Autonomy, Intelligence and Decision Making; and Professor Kirk McKenzie, Professorial Chair of Precision Measurement in Space. SmartSat CEO Professor Andy Koronios, says that the $7M joint research investment in ACT demonstrates SmartSat’s commitment to supporting the national space sector. “Since 2020, SmartSat has demonstrated its commitment to building the ACT’s space R&D capabilities, funding over ten projects at ANU and UNSW Canberra. We are excited to support this proactive agenda laid out by the ACT government. “This fresh round of research investment by SmartSat delivers […]

SmartSat and European Space Agency PIC AUS MN

SmartSat and European Space Agency’s Φ-lab to collaborate on Earth Observation Research

Adelaide – SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (SmartSat), Australia’s leading space research centre, has signed a new agreement with European Space Agency’s (ESA) Φ-lab to collaborate on Earth Observation (EO) research. The European Space Agency’s Φ-lab is a world-leading research centre with a mission to accelerate the future of Earth Observation through transformational innovations and new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and on-board processing. The agreement builds upon SmartSat’s existing relationship with Φ-lab, who supported cosine to develop the HyperScout imager payload. This payload is currently being integrated into the SmartSat-led South Australian Kanyini satellite, following consultations with Φ-lab regarding its Φ-sat-1 satellite mission. The synergies between these missions offer significant collaboration opportunities between SmartSat and Φ-lab regarding onboard intelligence for EO applications, creating a solid foundation for further research activities under the new agreement. SmartSat CEO Professor Andy Koronios, who signed the agreement in Rome, said, “We are delighted to embark on this new chapter of our partnership with ESA’s Φ-lab through this Letter of Intent. Our relationship with Φ-lab has been growing stronger over the past few years through our shared strategic research initiatives in the Kanyini and Φ-sat satellite missions. Φ-lab is at the forefront of Earth Observation technologies, and we are very proud to collaborate with them to further showcase Australian expertise on an international level. This is a testament to the progress we’ve made in our national space industry.” In the picture: (Simonetta Cheli, ESA Director of Earth Observation Programmes and SmartSat CEO Professor Andy Koronios). “We have also identified new collaboration opportunities between researchers at the University of Queensland and Φ-lab to develop advanced AI capabilities using hyperspectral satellite imagery. This will create the next generation of predictive intelligence that can forecast and monitor agricultural and environmental activities and disaster events with greater accuracy,” he added. As part of the new agreement, SmartSat and Φ-lab plan […]

SmartSat CEO Professor Andy Koronios AUS MN

SmartSat CRC and partners commit $7 million to develop AI-enabled spacecraft that can operate autonomously

SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (SmartSat), Australia’s leading space research centre, has launched a $7 million project to develop new autonomous spacecraft using artificial intelligence (AI). The three-year project, Spacecraft Autonomy and Onboard AI for Next Generation Space Systems, known as SCARLET-α, will bring together eight SmartSat partners: Airbus, Asension, Deakin University, Defence Science and Technology Group, Leonardo Australia, Saab Australia, Swinburne University of Technology, and University of South Australia (UniSA) in a collaborative research effort. SCARLET-α aims to create a set of autonomous algorithms that will enable small and distributed spacecraft to make decisions independently, optimise the use of available resources and capabilities, adapt to changing conditions, and handle critical situations, without intervention from Earth. The project will focus on high impact areas of spacecraft autonomy and onboard AI as identified and prioritised with the industry and defence partners, including: Onboard processing and actionable intelligence Small spacecraft and constellation resilience Dynamic optimisation of constellation resources Real-time tasking and resource allocation SmartSat CEO Professor Andy Koronios, says that, to date, onboard processing has been limited to data collection, but researchers hope the algorithms they develop will allow spacecraft to perform many tasks with less intervention from human operators. “As autonomous technologies advance and are embraced, their place in space will expand and present new opportunities for applications here on Earth. The next generation of satellite communications and earth observation will be achieved using integrated systems of satellite constellations operating autonomously and performing multiple tasks in real time. Such AI-enabled technologies promise to transform the major sectors of our economy, such as agriculture, farming, and mining, and better serve our defence and national security objectives. This investment is possible through the great support of the Federal Government CRC Program Australia and will help develop cutting-edge technologies in space autonomy.” “With next-generation space systems on the horizon, the possibilities […]

SmartSat unveils terminal for faster, safer military communications

SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), Australia’s leading space research centre, has unveiled the Compact Hybrid Optical-RF User Segment (CHORUS) prototype terminal to create more stable and secured military satellite communications at the 15th Australian Space Forum. Funded by SmartSat CRC, the world-leading technology embedded in this prototype has been entirely developed in Australia by the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), and industry and academic partners, EOS Space Systems and EM Solutions, Lyrebird Antenna Research, Shoal Group, Australian National University and University of South Australia, following three years of research. Satellite optical communications links offer significantly higher data rates and a lower interception probability than standard civilian and military radio frequency (RF) satellite communications, which are vulnerable to electronic warfare, such as jamming, geo-location and interception. CHORUS aims to address the several limitations of satellite-based optical communications technology and open viable commercialisation pathways for new SATCOM capabilities. The new CHORUS Terminal is a hybrid optical/RF system, integrating an RF antenna and an optical telescope into a system called the AntennaScope™. This ensures users have reliable communications all the time and much higher data rates when optical communication is possible. A recent VIP demonstration day at the Department of Defence Edinburgh base showcased the successful completion of testing and marked the practical conclusion of the two phases of the SmartSat CRC co-funded project. The unveiling of the CHORUS Terminal at the Australian Space Forum is the first opportunity for the space community to see the prototype and discuss its capabilities and potential commercial pathways with members of the R&D project team. The project drew on impressive efforts by DSTG to support testing at their LASER range, including designing and building a ‘pseudo-satellite’ to prove the hybrid RF-Optical aperture worked as designed. The availability of an EM Solutions provided Cobra maritime SATCOM terminal* […]

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