Ampcontrol and LeoLabs to develop space radar

Electrical engineer Ampcontrol has partnered with space tracking firm LeoLabs Australia on an ambitious $240 million project to construct new factories and upgrade others to build and maintain sophisticated radar systems.

Dubbed the Aussie Space Radar Projct (ASRP), the project comes with a direct $160 million investment by LeoLabs Inc – the largest investment by a foreign company into Australia’s space industry in decades.

More than $80 million will be invested in three modern manufacturing innovations, with the project seeking support under the Commonwealth Modern Manufacturing Initiative.

This will include two new manufacturing facilities in Jerrabomberra and the Hunter Region, New South Wales, along with three high capacity advanced electronics production lines including one at SRX in Dandenong, Victoria.

Ampcontrol will diversify resources, infrastructure and energy sectors into space and defence, occupying a new production facility to build and test radar modules, while also conducting site builds, radar system support and export services.

The ASRP represents a one-of-a-kind technology transfer, according to the companies.

It will enable LeoLabs’ Australia and partners to manufacture LeoLabs’ entire next-generation global space radar system, making Australia the sole global provider of LeoLabs’ high-tech radar modules to the world.

The companies said in a statement: “The exquisite, next generation modular radar technology, which has been developed in Silicon Valley, incorporates the latest commercially available 5G systems, and truly transforms the way objects are tracked in space.

“This exciting opportunity focuses on bringing together Australian businesses to manufacture the space radar systems, create new Australian manufacturing jobs and improve Australia’s sovereign surveillance capabilities.”

Picture: Ampcontrol/ CHris Bird, ResTech, Warwick Sommer, Ampcontrol, Terry van Haren, LeoLabs.

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