Space Machines unveils Optimus Viper for satellite repair

Satellite manufacturer Space Machines Company Space Machines Company (SMC) today unveiled Optimus Viper, a rapid-response spacecraft specifically designed to provide immediate, high-fidelity intelligence and protection for critical space assets. Operating at distances less than 10 kilometres from target satellites, Optimus Viper delivers detailed, actionable intelligence about critical space infrastructure that, until now, has been impossible…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Codan completes the acquisition of Kägwerks Communications and metal detection manufacturer Codan, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Codan US Inc, has completed the acquisition of 100 percent of US-based organisation SKT2 LLC dba Kägwerks (Kägwerks). Kägwerks is a leader in tactical operator-worn networking communications technologies that enable connectivity and integrated secure networking in a military…

Space Machines hires engineering boss

Space Machines Company, which is developing vehicles for in-space servicing of satellites, has announced former Head of Engineering at Nanosonics Shane Albances as its new engineering lead. Albances (pictured) is leading the team at SMC preparing for the MAITRI mission, scheduled for 2026, which will feature the planned launch of Space Machines Company’s second Optimus…

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…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, April 29 – May 3, 2024

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Applications open for Industry Growth Program, $6.9 million announced for four not-for-profits to assist IGP A total of $6.9 million in grant funding was announced for four Industry Partner Organisations (IPO), alongside the opening of applications for the…

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…

Australian-made flexible solar cells part of satellite aboard SpaceX mission

CSIRO-developed printed flexible solar cells are travelling on Space Machines Company’s Optimus-1 private satellite, which flew  as cargo aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched on Tuesday (Australian time.) A statement from the national science agency following the launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California explained that it is exploring such solar cells as a…

Space Machines’ Optimus satellite launched on SpaceX rocket

Satellite manufacturer Space Machines Company has announced the successful launch this morning of Optimus, Australia’s largest-ever private satellite and the company’s first Orbital Servicing Vehicle (OSV). The foundation of the company’s future in-orbit satellite servicing opereations was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket during the Transporter-10 mission. Following…