Space Machines Company opens Australia’s largest spacecraft manufacturing facility

Space Machines Company and the University of Technology Sydney announced on Tuesday the creation of Australia's largest industrial-scale spacecraft manufacturing facility at UTS Tech Lab in Sydney.

The Optimus Factory (OF-01) will feature an additional 800-square-metre spacecraft production space and house Australia's largest satellite Assembly, Integration and Test cleanroom. The facility represents a co-investment from both organisations and is designed to support future Defence requirements.

The facility will have capacity to produce five Optimus Viper spacecraft simultaneously, scaling to more than 20 units per year. Production of multiple spacecraft is expected to commence in early 2026, with the facility scheduled to be operational by late 2025.

Space Machines Company received an $8.5 million grant from the Australian Government in 2024 under the Australian Space Agency's ISI India Projects program for a collaborative demonstration mission called “Space Maitri” between India and Australia using the Optimus Viper platform.

Rajat Kulshrestha, chief executive of Space Machines Company, said the facility marked a transformation in Australia's sovereign capabilities, shifting the nation from a consumer to a producer of space infrastructure.

“Space Machines Company is one of the few companies globally developing capabilities that ensure freedom of movement in space and the only one headquartered in the Indo-Pacific region,” Kulshrestha said.

Prof Michael Blumenstein, Pro Vice Chancellor at UTS, said the partnership focused on joint research and development, enabling both organisations to shape the future of the space industry in Australia.

“Until now, Australia has been largely dependent on overseas suppliers for space assets and technology, limiting our strategic autonomy and industrial growth,” Blumenstein said.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Andrew Parfitt said the renewed partnership with Space Machines Company demonstrated the university's commitment to research-led innovation and industry collaboration.

Head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo, said the facility represented a leap forward for Australia's space industry and showcased the nation's commitment to being an active partner in the international space community.

NSW Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said the collaboration demonstrated why NSW had the largest defence and aerospace industries in Australia.

The partnership between Space Machines Company and UTS has been renewed for a further three years.

Picture: Supplied