Skykraft awarded $1 million to build nano-sattelites

UNSW Canberra spin-off company Skykraft has been awarded a $1 million grant to accelerate design and manufacture of small satellite systems.

The grant from the ACT government will begin design and manufacture of a SmallSat constellation to provide global air traffic management capabilities.

Skykraft managing director, James Prior said this ‘early definition work’ established a project for supply chain development and the creation of new space capabilities in the ACT.

“Importantly, this has enabled Skykraft to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Spanish multinational technology company Indra for the design, manufacture and operation of this SmallSat constellation.

“I am excited about where this will lead. It places Skykraft in a unique position to establish a space-based global service in a niche market.”

The ACT grant, plus $1.2 million in cash and in kind from Skykraft, UNSW and Xtek will enable the manufacture of 200 small satellites.

The funding has been awarded as part of the ACT Government’s Priority Investment Programme.

Earlier this year Skykraft and Equatorial Launch Australia agreed to develop a strategic relationship to improve Australia’s access to space.

Skykraft draws on expertise from UNSW Canberra’s team of more than 50 engineers and academicsf, who are responsible for the design, build and operations of the Buccaneer, M1, M2PF and M2 CubeSats.

Picture: Skykraft

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