Canberra satellite manufacturer Skykraft has completed what it calls a world first trial of space-based VHF voice communications as part of their development of satellites to provide space-based aviation communications and surveillance services. Voice radio communications in the VHF band are used for communications between pilots and air traffic controllers, with VHF radios standard aircraft…
Another Skykraft prototype Air Traffic Management satellite stack has lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Later the company released video footage showing the crfaft separating from the rocket one hour and 17 minutes after lift off (pictured). This was the company’s second launch for 2023,…
Canberra satellite manufacturer Skykraft has successfully completed flight readiness reviews for Skykraft’s Block III satellites, which are now being shipped to the United States ready for launch on the next SpaceX Transporter mission. The Block III satellites are the second batch of satellites to be launched in Skykraft’s proof-of-concept activities for a constellation of over…
Satellite system operator Skykraft will be one of the first customers to benefit from a new 7.3-metre communications antenna unveilled by the University of Tasmania (UTas) at Bisdee Tier (pictured). Part of the Southern Skies Network, the antenna will provide ground support to Skykraft’s Air Traffic Management constellation of satellites under a contract signed with…
Australian space services company Skykraft will begin work on a $1.76 million project to upgrade its proprietary Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) which will significantly improve satellite pointing accuracy. The company, which has received funding support from the Australian Space Agency through it’s Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement programme, will upgrade the…
Skykraft has officially opened its new manufacturing facility in the centre of Canberra at the UNSW Canberra City campus. The new facility is enabling the development of the largest ever Australian manufactured space payload, weighing 300kg, which is confirmed for launch this year with SpaceX from Florida. The new facility plans to have produced five…
Space services company Skykraft and composite materials manufacturer XTEK Limited have successfully completed the mechanical and vibration testing of a 500kg Payload Launch Stack which housed 24 representative Skykraft developed small satellites. Funded by a grant from the Australian Space Agency the stack is capable of supporting and deploying 24 small satellites and was tested…
Airservices Australia and space services company, Skykraft have partnered in the development of a space-based communication and surveillance air traffic management capability. Under the collaboration, Airservices will share its air navigation, technical engineering and air traffic management expertise to support design, development, and validation of the system, as well as support Skykraft to conduct space-based…
Satellite services company SkyKraft has attracted a raft of top investors to a $3.5 million capital raising that will continue its rollout of SmallSat communications satellites. The Canberra company’s new investors include former Macquarie Bank CEO Alan Moss, Lennoxgrove Capital and Adcock Private Equity. Skykraft, based at the UNSW Canberra City, also recently received $1…
UNSW Canberra-based air traffic management startup Skykraft has announced the planned upcoming launch of a second tranche of its satellites aboard a SpaceX rocket, scheduled for October 2022.
