Space Machines Company (SMC) and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have announced the creation of an Australian industrial-scale spacecraft manufacturing facility and renewed their partnership for a further three years.
Located at UTS Tech Lab in Sydney, the Optimus Factory (OF-01) marks a milestone in Australia’s space industry, establishing critical sovereign capability for the design, assembly and testing of 300 kg class spacecraft at scale.
“OF-01 marked a historic transformation in Australia’s sovereign capabilities, shifting our nation from a consumer to a producer of critical space infrastructure to close Australia’s space production gap at a pivotal moment in Indo-Pacific security," CEO of Space Machines Company, Rajat Kulshrestha, said.
The expanded facility will possess an additional 800-square-metre spacecraft production space. The OF-01 will allegedly house Australia’s largest satellite Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) cleanroom.
“This partnership is focused on joint research and development, enabling UTS and SMC to shape the future of the space industry in Australia and globally. It also provides UTS students and researchers with access to leading-edge technology and real-world experience, placing them at the forefront of space innovation," Pro Vice Chancellor (Business Creation and Major Facilities) at UTS, Michael Blumenstein, stated.
The facility will have the capacity to produce five Optimus Viper spacecraft simultaneously, scaling to 20+ units per year. Announced in December 2024, Viper is SMC’s rapid-response spacecraft variant currently under development as an evolution of their first vehicle, Optimus. The facility is scheduled to be operational by late 2025, with production of multiple SMC Viper spacecraft expected to commence in early 2026. Upon completion, it will be the largest satellite assembly facility in Australia.
“The OF-01 facility represents an exciting leap forward for Australia’s space industry. This collaboration between Space Machines Company and UTS Tech Lab showcases Australia’s commitment to being an active, capable partner in the international space community. It will help drive the Australian Government’s agenda to grow our nation’s industrial capability, boost productivity, build economic resilience and create a fairer society," Head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo, affirmed.
In 2024, SMC also received an $8.5 million grant from the Australian Government under the Australian Space Agency’s ISI India Projects program for a collaborative demonstration mission, “Space Maitri” between India and Australia using the Optimus Viper platform.