Defence


Inovor to share Lockheed Martin JP9102 missions to space

Defence




Lockheed Martin Australia (LMA) and Australian space service provider, Inovor Technologies have inked a strategic agreement to support LMA’s ‘Hosted Missions Program,’ a key feature of the company’s JP9102 Enhanced Australian Industry Capability (AIC) plan.

If adopted the programme would utilise surplus capacity aboard JP102 space launch vehicles for small Australian designed and built satellite missions, providing multiple mission opportunities along with the planned JP9102 sovereign, SATCOM capability.

Hosted missions could include spacecraft to augment the resilience of the primary satellite system or could also align with future defence, Australian Space Agency, or commercial missions.

The Australian Defence Satellite Communication System (ADSS), JP9102, will replace the defence military Satellite Communications (SATCOM) capability currently met by the hybrid military and commercial satellites Optus C-1 and Intelsat-22.

CEO of Inovor Technologies Matt Tetlow said LMA’s Hosted Missions Program would maximise Australia’s in-country space capabilities and provide a major boost for the Australian space sector

Tetlow said: “As a passionate supporter of Australia’s future space industry, Inovor welcomes the opportunity to contribute our expertise to Lockheed Martin Australia’s Hosted Missions Program.

“We’re excited by the opportunity to work hand in glove with Lockheed Martin Australia to create unparalleled opportunities for Australian space organisations, while also ensuring any hosted mission adds no risk to the safety and security of the primary JP9102 spacecraft.”

According to Lockheed Martin Australia’s regional director for space David Ball, the Hosted Missions Program would enable Australian organisations to benefit more widely from LMA’s JP9102 proposal.

Ball said: “Inovor, as the only spacecraft manufacturer in Australia developing bespoke spacecraft subsystems, and with deep experience providing satellite mission solutions for Defence, would support the Hosted Missions Program with exploratory studies, knowledge sharing, programme planning activities and safety design requirements.”

“By offering to facilitate launch and transferring engineering know-how and capability to these organisations, Lockheed Martin Australia is contributing to the ongoing development of our nation’s robust space capability.”

Lockheed Martin Australia’s JP9102 Hosted Missions Program falls under its AIC Plan, which supports small to medium Australian enterprises to deliver best-of-breed solutions and develop Australia’s defence and space industry capability.

Inovor joins an extensive network of Australian SMEs supporting JP9102, including Av-Comm, Calytrix Technologies, Clearbox Systems, Conscia, DXC, EM Solutions, Linfox, Ronson Gears, Shoal Group and STEM Punks.

Picture: Lockheed Martin Australia

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