Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

National satellite project announced

A national satellite initiative, spearheaded by Optus and a national consortium of industry, academia and government partners, plans to launch a sovereign Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite by early 2028. The consortium includes iLAuNCH Trailblazer, HEO, Inovor Technologies and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), with the satellite to be designed and built by Inovor Technologies at South Australia’s Lot Fourteen precinct. The University of South Australia, supported by SmartSat CRC, will deliver one of two payloads, developed through the Australian Government’s iLAuNCH Trailblazer Universities Program. These will support DSTG’s research into satellite communications and high-bandwidth data transfer, with the other Optus-led payload (in partnership with HEO and the University of Southern Queensland) includes HEO’s new, specialised, space telescope designed to take high-resolution pictures of space objects, also known as non-earth imaging. Following launch, Optus intends to operate the spacecraft from its Belrose Space Operations Centre in Sydney.

BHP signs MoU with BYD

Mining house BHP announced on Monday that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with battery electrification company FinDreams Battery Co, a subsidiary of EV leader BYD Group. In a statement, BHP said that it is working closely with FDB to explore the application of existing and emerging technologies across its operations regarding the need to cut Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. The pair will investigate powertrain battery solutions for heavy mining equipment and locomotives, “as well as explore BYD commercial vehicles and light vehicles for use in our mining applications to support our diesel displacement journey.” BHP Group Procurement Officer l Rashpal Bhatti said “By joining forces with industry leaders [like BYD] we are seeking solutions to help shape a more productive and more sustainable resources industry of the future.”

Cyclopharm makes US sales appointment

Radiopharmaceuticals company Cyclopharm has announced a hire to lead a new US Business Development Team to accelerate sales of Technegas, with Thomas Lukas appointed Vice President of Sales – United States on Wednesday. According to a statement from the company, Lukas brings over 15 years of senior leadership experience in sales of nuclear medicine, diagnostics,  and capital medical equipment, and most recently held executive commercial roles at cardiac imaging group Arineta Inc. The former nuclear medicine technologist, the past “is uniquely qualified to bridge the  clinical, operational, and financial decision-making units that drive adoption in complex U.S. hospital environments”, the company added. Cyclopharm CEO James McBrayer added, “With installations doubling every six months, Technegas is rapidly gaining traction and we are now in a position to spearhead adoption of Technegas across key hospital systems and networks. Tom’s appointment is a critical step in the execution of our US sales strategy.”

Li-S Energy appoints US representative for defence sector engagement

Battery technology company Li-S Energy announced a new appointment in the US market on Wednesday, with the developer of lightweight lithium-sulfur and lithium-metal batteries naming Paladin Defense Services its representative for that sector. The Kentucky-based defence services company is headed by former US Army brigade commander Roy “Chuck” Waggoner. Paladin works as a program integrator, helping advanced technologies enter US military and security applications, with its role described in a statement as providing “access to sole-source U.S. government contracts up to US$7.5 million, reducing procurement timelines and offering Li-S Energy the potential to move more quickly into funded testing, trials, and contract opportunities.”

Dandenong business fined after worker loses finger

Packaging manufacturer Polycell Australia was sentenced at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court last week after pleading guilty to failing to provide and maintain safe plant and a system of work and failing to notify WorkSafe of an incident. According to a statement from Worksafe Victoria on Wednesday, the worker had a finger amputated due to using unguarded machinery, and the company convicted and fined a total of $80,000. The employee was operating machinery that produces bubble wrap envelopes through a series of rollers, folding mechanisms, heat sealing machines, and guillotines in February 2023 when the incident occurred. The worker attempted to remove material jammed in the envelope machine when her right hand was dragged back into a roller, causing serious injuries that required multiple surgeries, including the amputation of a finger.

Queensland sugar industry labs open

The state government joined Sugar Research Australia to officially open the new Innovative Research & Industry Services (IRIS) Laboratories in Brisbane on Wednesday. According to a statement from manufacturing minister Dale Last, the labs will deliver “cutting–edge science in the sugar industry, and will be able to generate faster results, enhanced precision and the ability to develop new solutions tailored specifically to the needs of growers and millers“. The government said its investment in the sector included $2.85 million annually to Sugar Research Australia (SRA) for co-investment in targeted research, development and extension activities. SRA CEO Mick Bartlett said, “IRIS Lab is not just about research. It’s about shaping the future of the industry, and this facility cements SRA’s role as a global leader in sugarcane innovation.” 

Gilmour Space now targeting July 27 launch

Rocket business Gilmour Space has announced a new launch window for TestFlight1, scrubbing July 16 and targeting its next approved opportunity, starting July 27. “​Unfortunately, operational delays set us back a day, and the latest upper wind forecasts have now ruled out a safe launch from Thursday through the rest of the week” Gilmour announced in a post on Linkedin on Wednesday. “Not the outcome we hoped for, but that's the nature of test flights. Chins are up and eyes forward — our tireless team is now tracking to NET 27 July!”

Picture: credit Li-S Energy