Optus-led consortium to build a sovereign LEO satellite

A consortium made up of Optus, the iLAuNCH Trailblazer, HEO, Inovor Technologies and the Australian Department of Defence’s Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) has announced it will commence the build, launch and operation of a sovereign Australian low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite, marking a significant step forward for the nation’s capabilities in space-based connectivity and critical space domain awareness.

Optus is providing significant investment and in-kind resources for the project, and will act as leader of the consortium. Inovor Technologies will manufacture the main body of the spacecraft, as it did for the recently launched Buccaneer Main Mission (BMM) nanosatellite, while Defence is contributing $4 million to the project under a co-funded arrangement.

“By investing in innovative R&D projects, we strive to develop next-generation capabilities that are resilient and secure for potential future Defence applications,” said Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro.

The consortium will host two pieces of equipment developed under the Australian Government’s iLAuNCH Trailblazer Universities Program, sponsored by the Department of Education. The first of these, led by Optus in partnership with HEO and the University of Southern Queensland, includes HEO’s new 20 cm Adler Imager — a specialised space telescope designed to take high-resolution pictures of space objects, also known as non-Earth imaging. The space awareness information will assist with transparency in space and allow customers to manage and operate their space assets, protect essential space infrastructure, and optimise satellite life.

The second piece of hosted equipment, to be developed by the University of South Australia with support from the SmartSat CRC, will include a compact communication terminal that functions at fast speeds, using laser light (optical) to send and receive data between another satellite or a ground terminal. The hosted equipment will also include a more conventional radio frequency communications capability, supporting DSTG’s ongoing research and development activities as well as its expertise in optical and LEO satellite communications.

The project builds on the innovative work already announced by iLAuNCH in partnership with The Australian National University (ANU), Optus and Leonardo UK to build smaller, lower-cost laser communications ground stations. Additionally, Optus is in discussion with other partners to explore additional opportunities that will help develop future space capabilities, including multi-orbit pathways.

“This project represents a huge step forward in transforming Australia’s world-class research to sovereign space capabilities for our nation,” said Darin Lovett, Executive Director of iLAuNCH Trailblazer. “iLAuNCH, an Australian Government Department of Education Trailblazer program, is proud to have brought together incredible researchers from our partner universities — University of Southern Queensland, Australian National University and the University of South Australia — to deliver the next generation of communications and advanced space-based observation. Together, we’re strengthening our national space ecosystem and driving innovation for global impact.”

The LEO satellite will be built by Inovor Technologies at Lot Fourteen in Adelaide, while Optus intends to operate the spacecraft from its Belrose Space Operations Centre in Sydney. The consortium is targeting a launch date of early 2028.

“Connectivity continues to play a critical role in the Australian economy; whether that be through supporting small businesses in regional and remote towns or large enterprises with employees spread across the country, we must continue to explore new ways of delivering services that businesses rely on,” said Nick Leake, Head of Satellite and Space Systems at Optus.

“By collaborating with Australia’s industry leaders across the public, private and academic sectors, we are able to further advance the use of technology to solve problems, fuel growth, and define what’s next for the telco industry while supporting Australian businesses and Australian workers.”

Image credit: iStock.com/3DSculptor