Defence has partnered with Optus to develop and launch a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite to support Australia's sovereign space industry.
“By investing in innovative R&D projects, we strive to develop next-generation capabilities that are resilient and secure for potential future Defence applications,” Chief Defence Scientist, Tanya Monro, said.
The partnership is a space innovation, science and technology agreement between Defence and Optus. The satellite project will include Defence research equipment as well as additional research equipment developed by the University of Southern Queensland.
“This is a great example of Government, industry and academia partnering to grow Australia’s sovereign space sector capabilities, creating exciting new opportunities to strengthen our national security,” Monro stated.
Defence will contribute $4 million to the project under a co-funded arrangement. Optus will provide significant investment and in-kind resources, and will lead the consortium to build, launch and operate the spacecraft.
Monro said equipment on-board the satellite will support research and technology development, and build Australian sovereign expertise in optical and LEO communications.
The communications system, using both laser light and radio-frequencies for data transfer, will be developed by the University of South Australia in collaboration with Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). The research is also receiving significant funding from the Australian Government’s iLAuNCH Trailblazer Universities Program, delivered by the Federal Department of Education.
Adelaide-based space business Inovor Technologies will manufacture the main body of the spacecraft, as they did for the recently and successfully launched Buccaneer Main Mission (BMM) nanosatellite, which also hosted experimental Defence equipment. The satellite launch is expected to take place in 2028.