Ben Sorensen explains the recently-launched Big Dipper Challenge, and its role as a doorway to the burgeoning space economy and its supply chain. In a bold leap for the Australian manufacturing sector and space exploration, the ELO2 Consortium has launched the Big Dipper Lunar Regolith Acquisition Challenge, a national initiative designed to propel Australia and…
The groundbreaking Australian-made Space Industry Responsive Intelligent Thermal (SpIRIT) nanosatellite has arrived in California for launch in November. This article, adapted from one from the Australian Space Agency, details the technology and the companies behind this achievement. SpIRIT is a joint industry mission led by the University of Melbourne and supported by the Australian Space…
Space logistics business Space Machines Company has announced a purchase of Inovor Technologies’ navigation system, Star Tracker, which will be integrated into SMC’s orbital servicing vehicle, Optimus. Star Tracker “will play a pivotal role in enhancing the navigation capabilities of Optimus” according to SMC, which plans to provide transportation and other in-space services following its…
First Australian companies and innovators were challenged to design a rover vehicle that will run on the Moon. Now a second challenge has been announced by marketplace Freelancer.com and ELO2 to design a mechanical sampling arm for the rover – the ELO2 Big Dipper Lunar Regolith Acquisition Challenge. The Australian Space Agency, in collaboration with…
The Optimus OSV Spacecraft, the largest Australian-built commercial spacecraft, is to be qualified for space where it will deliver transport and service capabilities in orbit. Space Machines Company is building the Optimus Platform which will now face rigorous test procedures to qualify for the space environment before heading to orbit in early 2024. In in…
WA funds Fugro SpAARC to get into space The Western Australian government has announced a $5 million commitment to Perth-based facility Fugro SpAARC to bolster the complex’s operational capability for space missions. The government said in a statement the funding would pave the way for Fugro SpAARC to support international space missions from Perth. “It…
South Australia could become part of the in-space manufacturing industry after Varda Space Industries and Southern Launch announced a partnership to conduct space capsule re-entry operations at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia. Torrance, California-based Varda are developing orbital manufacturing and space re-entry systems, utilising the space environment’s advantages including microgravity and vacuum. Varda…
Space satellite imagery starup Arula has received ‘a strategic investment’ by global aerospace company Lockheed martin.
By Peter Roberts South Australia has launched an ambitious Advanced Manufacturing Strategy that aims to grow the sector’s share of the economy from six to 10 percent. The strategy, launched by SA Deputy Premier and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Dr Susan Close also aims to boost manufacturing’s share of value-added exports from 20…
Pact releases sustainability report Pact Group today released its 2023 Sustainability Report which reveals the company recycled more than 54,000 tonnes of plastic waste last financial year, the equivalent weight of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The plastic waste was recycled at seven facilities operated by Pact and its joint venture partners in Australia and New Zealand, converted…
