{"id":8215,"date":"2025-07-20T10:46:12","date_gmt":"2025-07-20T10:46:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/8215\/"},"modified":"2025-07-20T10:46:12","modified_gmt":"2025-07-20T10:46:12","slug":"defence-signs-deal-for-low-earth-orbit-satellite-partnership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/8215\/","title":{"rendered":"Defence signs deal for low earth orbit satellite partnership"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Defence is supporting Australia\u2019s sovereign space industry with a partnership to develop and launch a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. Through a space innovation, science and technology agreement between Defence and Optus, the innovative satellite project will include Defence research equipment as well as additional research equipment developed by the University of Southern Queensland.<\/p>\n

Defence is contributing $4 million to the project under a co-funded arrangement. Optus is providing significant investment and in-kind resources, and will lead the consortium to build, launch and operate the spacecraft.<\/p>\n

Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro AC, said equipment on-board the satellite will support research and technology development, and build Australian sovereign expertise in optical and LEO communications. \u201cBy investing in innovative R&D projects, we strive to develop next-generation capabilities that are resilient and secure for potential future Defence applications,\u201d Professor Monro said.<\/p>\n

The communications system, using both laser light and radio-frequencies for data transfer, will be developed by the University of South Australia in collaboration with Defence Science and Technology Group. The research is also receiving significant funding from the Australian Government\u2019s iLAuNCH Trailblazer Universities Program, delivered by the Federal Department of Education.<\/p>\n

Adelaide-based space business Inovor Technologies will manufacture the main body of the spacecraft, as they did for the recently and successfully launched Buccaneer Main Mission (BMM) nanosatellite, which also hosted experimental Defence equipment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a great example of government, industry and academia partnering to grow Australia\u2019s sovereign space sector capabilities, creating exciting new opportunities to strengthen our national security,\u201d Professor Monro said.<\/p>\n

The satellite launch is expected to take place in 2028.<\/p>\n

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