Australian-made flexible solar cells part of satellite aboard SpaceX mission

CSIRO-developed printed flexible solar cells are travelling on Space Machines Company’s Optimus-1 private satellite, which flew  as cargo aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched on Tuesday (Australian time.) A statement from the national science agency following the launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California explained that it is exploring such solar cells as a…

Indigenous company’s unique building framing system

Indigenous construction company Warle Construction is addressing housing affordability and availability through a project commercialising its innovative house framing system. The project will establish new manufacturing capabilities and jobs in the Northern Territory while delivering affordable housing designed to withstand harsh climate conditions such as cyclones, according to a statement. Warle’s process makes use of…

Australian “road to space” now laid with Bowen Orbital Spaceport’s new licence

The Gilmour Space Technologies-operated spaceport in north Queensland has gained approval as an orbital launch facility, Gilmour announced on Tuesday morning. The Bowen Orbital Spaceport is the first granted its licence by federal industry minister Ed Husic under the Space (Launches & Returns) Act 2018, the company said. Rocket manufacturer and launch services provider Gilmour…

Space Machines’ Optimus satellite launched on SpaceX rocket

Satellite manufacturer Space Machines Company has announced the successful launch this morning of Optimus, Australia’s largest-ever private satellite and the company’s first Orbital Servicing Vehicle (OSV). The foundation of the company’s future in-orbit satellite servicing opereations was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket during the Transporter-10 mission. Following…