Australian space experts focus on small sat technology

By Jim Plouffe Australia’s rebooted space industry is positioning itself as a world leader in the development of smart satellites and associated technologies that will streamline communication, drive the Internet of Things, enhance Earth Observation and shape the defence forces of the future. The Australian Government backed SmartSat CRC – or Cooperative Research Centre –…

$10.6 million drone contract to create 10 jobs at Xtek

Defence supplier Xtek has earned a $10.6 million contract to “provide spare parts, repair, maintenance and support services” for the Australian Defence Force’s fleet of Wasp All Environment drones.   The work will be carried out at a Xtek’s recently-completed Canberra facility, and according to defence industry minister Melissa Price will create an additional 10…

Dig deep: Australia’s mining know-how makes it the perfect $150m partner for NASA’s Moon and Mars shots

By Andrew Dempster, Director, Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research; UNSW   In the wake of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s meeting with US President Donald Trump, the Australian government announced on Sunday a commitment of A$150million “into our local businesses and new technologies that will support NASA on its inspirational campaign to return to the…