Inovor and Neumann Space join up for satellite platforms

In-space propulsion company Neumann Space and satellite builder Inovor Technologies will work together on the development of the Neumann Drive propulsion system for Inovor’s growing range of satellite bus platforms. The Neumann Drive, an electric propulsion system based on solid metal propellants, has previously been demonstrated successfully aboard the SpIRIT (Space Industry – Responsive –…

Space Machines deepens Indian space ties

In-space servicing firm Space Machines Company has forged strategic partnerships with two Indian space businesses, aerospace and defence manufacturer Ananth Technologies and space infrastructure company Digantara. The partnerships will play a pivotal role in the upcoming Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation) mission and the launch of Space Machines Company’s second Optimus…

QuantX Labs makes first optical clock sale

Timing technology company QuantX Labs has announced the landmark first sales of its state-of-the-art optical atomic clocks. The company recently signed two contracts with the Department of Defence totalling over $2.7 million. Supporting Australian Defence Force requirements, QuantX will deliver a mobile precision timing test bed for Defence Systems to Defence Science and Technology Group…

Neumann Space propulsion system tested in orbit

In-space electric propulsion developer Neumann Space has successfully tested in orbit its Neumann Drive electric propulsion system based on solid metal propellants. Neumann and the University of Melbourne announced the drive and a number of other local technologies that had been integrated onto the SpIRIT nanosatellite had been successfully tested. The Space Industry Responsive Intelligent…

Axiom and Nupress components head for space

Adelaide’s Axiom Precision Manufacturing and Newcastle’s Nupress Group have been contracted by Lockheed Martin to produce precision machined components for the next-generation Orion spacecraft. With origins in automotive and toolmaking, the companies are capitalising on the opportunities that advanced Australian manufacturers can access by diversifying into space. The Orion spacecraft will be the primary astronaut…

Myriota secures Moon to Mars funding

Nanosatellite IoT communications company Myriota has announced a $1.5 million investment from the Australian Space Agency’s Moon to Mars Initiative Demonstrator Mission Grants. The funding will support the development of a compact, low-cost satellite communications payload providing resilient, flexible and scalable radio communications in off-world environments. The announcement was made at the launch by South…

Towards 3% R&D – Reach for the Moon to innovate by Xavier Orr

@AuManufacturing turns today in our editorial series – Towards 3% R&D – Turbocharging Australia’s Innovation Effort – to one of the bright sparks in the innovation scene – the development of a research-based space industry. By Xavier Orr. Australia’s space sector has skyrocketed in the past two decades. As of 2008, Australia was the only…

Space Machines Company-led project awarded $8.5 million through International Space Investment India Projects

Satellite manufacturer Space Machines Company has announced a joint Indian-Australian mission on space debris management, supported by an $8.5 million grant from the Australian government. SMC, which bills itself an “in-space servicing firm”, announced “Space MAITRI” (मैत्री, or Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation) on Tuesday, saying the joint industry-led mission will “demonstrate progress…