Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

Space agency signs up with NASA

The Australian Space Agency has set to work with the US on enhancing Earth observation from space. The agency signed a Joint Statement with NASA in Colorado after $1.2 billion was included in last week’s Budget for the National Space Mission for Earth Observation. “Our Mission is a true milestone in Australia’s space history. It takes us from a consumer to a contributor of Earth observation data, which we all know is a huge part of day to day life,” said ASA chief Enrico Palermo. The first phase of the National Space Mission will include Australia designing, building and operating four satellites that will capture globally unique data, carving out a role for Australia internationally. Minister for science and technology Melissa Price said the signing was an important part of locking in Australia’s access to the valuable data we rely on, as well as our place in the global space community.

Tindo solar PV panels certified by Clean Energy Council

Newly manufactured Tindo Solar PV modules have been added to the Clean Energy Council Approved Product List. The solar panels off the company’s new production line in Adelaide are now certified and approved to meet the Australian standards used in the design and installation of solar systems. Next up they’ll be going to Darwin for cyclone testing. Tindo manufactures in a new, enlarged factory at Mawson Lakes, Adelaide (pictured).

CRC-P Round 13 info session to be held today

An online information session for round 13 of Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-Ps) is being held between 2 pm and 3:30 pm (AEST) today. CRC-Ps offer matched funding of up to $3 million to assist industry-led collaborations developing new technologies, products, and services, and lasting up to three years. The session will cover eligibility, how to apply, and the experiences of participants, as well as field questions. It will feature Luisa Powell from the Department of Industry, James Robinson from Innovation Connections, Siobhan Lyndon from AMSL Aero (a CRC-P Grant Recipient), and Jane O’Dwyer of Cooperative Research Australia. Those interested can register here. Applications for round 13 are being accepted until 5 pm AEST on May 5.

International Graphite raises funds for processing

International Graphite has successfully listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). An Initial Public Offering last month raised $10 million to finance the company’s acquisition of the highly prospective Springdale Graphite Project, in southern Western Australia The IPO will also finance the integration of a significant graphite mineral resource and planned downstream processing facilities at Collie, into one operation. IGA executive chairman Phil Hearse said the purified, micronised and spheronised graphite which International Graphite plans to produce initially attracts prices around $US3500 per tonne. ‘Micronising’ is taking the feedstock and reducing it down to the range of about 5-25 microns in size. Spheronising involves making small spheroids out of that material, which is a step along the path to producing battery anode material. Hearse said: “Our end game – without a doubt – is to take it right through the value chain so we can produce the final battery anode material.”

Kleos Space launches third satellite cluster

ASX listed Kleos Space has launched its third satellite cluster into orbit, aiming to help government and intelligence agencies detect illicit activities occurring on passing ships. Kleos, a space-powered radio frequency reconnaissance data-as-a-service (DaaS) company, launched the Patrol Mission (KSF2) satellites on April 1 onboard the Transporter-4 SpaceX mission from Cape Canaveral in Florida. It marked SpaceX’s fourth rideshare programme mission, which allows governments, researchers and private companies to send small objects into space in a conjoined launch, with prices starting from $1 million. The Patrol Mission satellites increase Kleos’ global data coverage capacity by 119 million square kilometres per day, and this enables the geolocation of X-band radar transmissions in the 8500-9600 MHz range. The satellites will also revisit key areas of interest for the customer more frequently, improving overall coverage. Although listed in Australia, Kleos operates overseas, including in Luxembourg.

MXR Imaging to distribute Micro-X x-ray machines in the US

MXR Imaging Inc has signed a non-exclusive distribution agreement to sell Micro-X’s Mobile DR x-ray equipment at a national level within the United States. Adelaide manufacturer Micro-X is the leader in cold cathode x-ray technology for health and security markets. Micro-X managing director Peter Rowland said: “We continue to build the key elements of our US sales network and are excited that the nation-wide strength of MXR Imaging’s sales capability will now take this to a new level. Having a distributor of this calibre join the team is a strong testament to the interest we have seen from end-user customers since the Micro-X range of products debuted in Chicago last December.” VP of sales for MXR Imaging Zane Phlegar said MXR Imaging has received strong interest in the products from its customer base, especially following Micro-X’s successful debut at the RSNA conference in late 2021.

MTPConnect announces two new resilience programs

MTPConnect, the medical technology Growth Centre, has announced projects with Pathology Technology Australia (PTA) and DMTC focussing on national sovereignty. The project with PTA — a peak body for test manufacturers — will investigate will examine supply chain and other barriers and develop a National Action Plan for building end-to-end sovereign manufacturing capability for diagnostic tests. The project with DMTC — which supports collaborative projects addressing defence and national security challenges — would use artificial intelligence to create a comprehensive digital database of sovereign capability and capacity in the health biosecurity sector.

Installation nears completion at new grid-connected battery near Bundaberg

A grid-connected Tesla battery installation near Bargara is approaching completion, and would help residents get the most out of their solar panels, according to the Queensland government. Bargara is one of five sites chosen in the state in a network-connected battery trial being run by Energy Queensland, along with Hervey Bay, Toowoomba, Townsville and Yeppoon, storing a cumulative 40 megawatt hours. “The battery, transformer and cables are now all in their final positions in Bargara, with full energisation of the site expected in June,” said state treasurer Cameron Dick.

Picture: Tindo Solar/Mawson Lakes plant

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