DEWC and Gilmour to develop electronic warfare satellites






Electronic warfare group DEWC Systems and rocket manufacturer Gilmour Space Technologies are to collaborate to build prototype satellites equipped with electronic warfare payloads.

The two companies will utilise commercially available components to build a prototype Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare (ISREW) payload for launch into low earth orbit (LEO) aboard Gilmour rockets.

The development will be based on current 3U cubesats in the 80kg to 100kg class.

Gilmour Space CEO Adam Gilmour said: “We are committed to developing a LEO launch and satellite platform that will support new and valuable sovereign space capabilities, such as DEWC Systems ISREW solution for defence.”

South Australian-based DEWC Systms will further develop its Miniaturised Orbital Electronic Warfare Sensor Systems (MOESS).

This is a reprogrammable, multi-purpose electromagnetic sensor system and the basis for a space-based EW capability for Australia.

In September DEWC Systems launched a prototype aboard a DART rocket from Koonibba rocket range in South Australia as part of the RAAF’s Plan Jericho.

The company has already been through two phases of development of its system:

  • Phase one saw the company, SA University partners and the Defence Science and Technology Group design a proof of concept
  • In phase two funded through a Defence Innovation Hub contract DEWC Systems designed and developed assembled systems to demonstrate the technology.

Phase three will mature the system with a view to integrate it with a small satellite, launch the prototype into orbit and demonstrate live capability.

DEWC Systems aims for a constellation of cubesats built in Australia and launched on board Australian rockets.

DEWC Systems CEO Ian Spencer said: “Ï believe in the ingenuity, innovation and can do attitude of the Australian spirit.

“Through effective collaboration with likeminded Australian companies…I am confident that we can deliver a true enduring sovereign defence space capability.”

Picture: DEWC Systems

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