Italian company Sitael has launched a new branch in Adelaide, becoming the first company in Australia with the capability to design and manufacture satellites with a payload of up to 300kg.
Sitael Australia will focus on developing innovative small satellites, space missions, and space technologies in upstream, downstream and ground segments.
“Sitael is the first large space company manufacturing space systems in Australia. We believe Australia has a huge growth opportunity in the space sector, particularly with the establishment of the new Australian Space Agency. South Australia in particular is an ideal environment to develop innovative new ideas,” Sitael CEO Nicola Zaccheo said.
‘The establishment of Sitael Australia in Adelaide is a tangible outcome of the Letter Of Intent that the Italian Space Agency (ASI) signed with the South Australian Government in 2016 in Rome," ASI President Roberto Battiston said.
In a statement, Sitael said the new Australian Space Agency to be launched next month is proof of a forward-looking political vision that puts space infrastructure at the center of social and economic development.
Steven Marshall, Premier of South Australia, said the establishment of Sitael Australia will further cement South Australia’s international reputation as a hub of innovation and an ideal environment to develop fresh ideas in the space industry.
“Sitael is an innovative company leading the development of next-generation small satellites, and their decision to expand into South Australia demonstrates confidence in our state’s growing space industry,” Premier Marshall said. “We are focused on building our thriving space industry to make it a key contributor to the growth and diversification of South Australia’s economy.”
Space industry professional Mark Ramsey has been appointed as General Manager of Sitael Australia. Mr Ramsey, who is a member of the Space Industry Association of Australia advisory board, has previously worked at Alenia Space, NewSat and Lockheed Martin.
Sitael has also signed a Letter of Intent with SA company Inovor Technologies at last year’s International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide, for the purposes of developing joint technological and commercial activities.