Space Machines Company (SMC) has used products from Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software to design and build the Optimus Orbital Servicing Vehicle (OSV), one of the largest commercial spacecrafts being designed, manufactured, and assembled in Australia.
The 270kg Optimus will be launched by a SpaceX rocket from the United States to help taxi commercial satellites into their orbital paths around Earth and beyond – providing roadside assistance to satellites orbiting in space. Optimus’ main purpose will be to service, maintain, repair, and extend the life of other satellites on orbit.
The use of Siemens’ software for design and modelling, thermo-mechanical elements simulation and analyses and product lifecycle management has helped SMC save costs and time for teams working on Optimus at University of Technology Sydney’s Tech Lab.
“Siemens’ software has been critical in our ability to reduce design and development iterations without compromising on mission objectives," said Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO of SMC.
"It’s helped us create one unified digital environment and allowed us to rapidly prototype on the digital twin, helping us understand how Optimus will behave in the harsh environment of space.”
Apart from the design and manufacturing phase, SMC’s hardware and software undergo rigorous testing phases which calls for a robust PLM system. Teamcenter X helps with everything from quick design changes, running simulations and validation, through to manufacturing and final assembly – all on the digital twin.
“Space is one of the most innovative industries in Australia right now. Siemens software in enabling organisations of all sizes to innovate and develop solutions that will ultimately play a critical role in our daily lives," said Samantha Murray, Vice President and Managing Director of Siemens Digital Industries Software, Australia and New Zealand.
“I’m proud to see how Space Machines have used our software to push the boundaries of space logistics and get to the forefront of Australia’s space industry. As the space industry scales up and becomes part of a powerful ecosystem, software is the key enabler that helps level the playing field for all.”