Australian consortium to build LEO satellite for space research
An Australian consortium comprising Optus, iLAuNCH, HEO, Inovor Technologies, and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) is set to build, launch, and operate a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite.
The consortium has announced that the objective of the project is to strengthen Australia's sovereign capabilities in space-based connectivity and space domain awareness. The planned spacecraft is scheduled for launch in early 2028.
Consortium partners
The satellite will be developed by Inovor Technologies at Lot14 in Adelaide, South Australia. Once launched, operations of the spacecraft will be managed from the Optus Belrose Space Operations Centre in Sydney.
The initiative is supported by the iLAuNCH Trailblazer Universities Program, which is sponsored by the Federal Department of Education. The program has confirmed the inclusion of two pieces of hosted equipment on the satellite, focusing on advanced imaging and communications capabilities.
Planned equipment and research
The first piece of equipment involves a partnership between Optus, HEO, and the University of Southern Queensland. This equipment includes HEO's newly developed 20cm Adler Imager, a space telescope designed to capture high-resolution images of objects in space, known as non-earth imaging. This device forms part of HEO's capacity to provide situational awareness for Defence, Intelligence, Civil government clients, and commercial customers.
According to the consortium, this information will help improve transparency in space, support management and operation of space assets, and aid in the protection of critical space infrastructure. Another aim is to optimise the lifespan of satellites. The commercial and academic partnership also has applications in the observation of astronomical objects such as stars and planets.
The second element, led by the University of South Australia and supported by SmartSat CRC, features a compact communication terminal utilising laser-based optical technology to transmit and receive data at high speeds, either between satellites or from satellite to ground. Additionally, conventional radio frequency communications capability will be provided, supporting DSTG's ongoing research into satellite communications in optical and LEO bands.
Industry and academic collaboration
Nick Leake, Head of Satellite and Space Systems at Optus said, "Connectivity continues to play a critical role in the Australian economy, whether that be through supporting small businesses in regional and remote towns or large enterprises with employees spread across the country, we must continue to explore new ways of delivering services that businesses rely on.
"By collaborating with Australia's industry leaders across the public, private and academic sectors, we are able to further advance the use of technology to solve problems, fuel growth and define what's next for the telco industry while supporting Australian businesses and Australian workers."
Darin Lovett, Executive Director of iLAuNCH Trailblazer, described the project as an important development for Australia's space capabilities.
"This project represents a huge step forward in transforming Australia's world class research to sovereign space capabilities for our nation. iLAuNCH, an Australian Government Department of Education Trailblazer program, is proud to have brought together incredible researchers from our partner universities – University of Southern Queensland, Australian National University, and the University of South Australia to deliver the next generation of communications and advanced space-based observation. Together, we're strengthening our national space ecosystem and driving innovation for global impact."
The consortium's plans build upon previous work announced by iLAuNCH, along with the Australian National University, Optus, and Leonardo UK, to develop smaller and more affordable laser communications ground stations.
Technological value and national benefit
Joann Yap, Senior Partnerships Manager at HEO, commented on the partnership's significance, referencing the blend of technological and operational expertise:
"This partnership brings an exciting convergence of HEO's unique technological capabilities, Optus' deep satellite operations know-how and the University of Queensland's leading research. At HEO, we're passionate about bringing clarity to space through our non-Earth imaging technology, and we are excited to advance an Australian space domain awareness capability with our Adler hosted equipment on Inovor's spacecraft. This collective effort is strategically designed to deliver robust, sovereign space solutions that benefit our nation and allies, and propel the entire Australian space industry forward."
Dr. Matthew Tetlow, CEO of Inovor Technologies, emphasised the collaborative nature of the project:
"This project is a great example of industry, academia and government coming together to develop groundbreaking space technologies to catapult the Australian space sector forward. For Inovor Technologies, this represents a significant milestone in our strategy to build larger, more capable spacecraft using the success we've achieved on orbit as a foundation to deliver genuine Australian-made space capability. This collaboration will strengthen our national space sovereignty by accelerating advanced satellite manufacturing, creating highly skilled jobs, and proving that Australia has the capability to lead in the global space industry."
The consortium has indicated that discussions with other potential partners are underway to explore further opportunities for the development of future space capabilities, including the possibility of multi-orbit pathways.
