Skykraft satellites secure ground support from the University of Tasmania

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…

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XTEK awarded $0.8 million in grants to update CNC centre and forming press

XTEK has been awarded two grants from the Department of Defence, totalling $0.8 million. The ASX-listed defence contractor announced on Tuesday that the grants were through the Defence Global Competitiveness programs and Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority program and valued at $164,268.50 and $658,209.20 respectively. The DGC-backed project covers investment in a new “CNC Virtual Machining…

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Swinburne University’s first Founder in Residence will focus on aerospace R&D

Rachael Barritt from Dovetail Electric Aviation has been named Swinburne University’s first Founder in Residence, with a focus on “new ideas and ventures” related to aerospace and aviation. According to a statement from Swinburne on Tuesday, Barritt (pictured) would work closely with the team at its Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub), which is involved…

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ANCA to boost precision manufacturing capability

Machine tool manufacturer ANCA will establish a precision manufacturing cell at its Bayswater, Melbourne headquarters, using a grant delivered through the federal government’s Modern Manufacturing Initiative. ANCA is a major exporter of complex manufactures, supplying advanced tool-making machines and technology to aerospace, medical, automotive and electronic industries in more than 45 countries. Assistant Minister for…

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Sustainability and Australia’s renewables industry – by Richard Petterson

News that China may restrict exports of solar PV wafers has focused attention on solar PV panel manufacturers, including Australia’s Tindo Solar, which rely on Chinese imported inputs. Here Richard Petterson makes the case for sustainability in solar PV manufacturing and for a bigger role for Australian industry. The term ‘circular economy’ describes the re-use…

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