Australian startup Space Machines Company (SMC) has secured SpaceX’s support as a launch partner in bringing SMC’s Optimus Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) to space as part of its mission in April 2023.
The 2023 mission is expected to demonstrate the 270kg Optimus OTV’s capability to deliver logistics services in space and will focus on strengthening SMC’s strategy as a last-mile delivery services provider.
The Optimus OTV is said to be one of the largest commercial spacecraft designed and manufactured in Australia.
Assembly and integration of the Optimus spacecraft will occur at the SMC facility within the Tech Lab at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO of Space Machines Company, said. “Space-based technology supports many of the everyday conveniences Australians have come to expect, such as weather forecasting, emergency management, internet access, and online banking.
“To support and fully commercialize the potential of the delivery of services in space, the right logistics infrastructure must be in place.
“Space Machines is leading Australia’s capability development in this critical area, and we are excited to take the next step in commercializing our service with SpaceX,” said Kulsherstha
“Logistics is the new frontier in space innovation. Space-based technology supports many everyday conveniences Australians are used to, such as weather forecasting, emergency management, internet access, and online banking.”
“To support and fully commercialize the potential of the delivery of services in space, the right logistics infrastructure must be in place. Space Machines is leading Australia’s capability development in this critical area, and we are excited to take the next step in commercializing our service with SpaceX,” he said.
SMC appears to benefit from the federal government’s AU$ 1.16 billion commitment to boost Australia’s aerospace industry. In addition to funding, federal initiatives such as the 16-year National Earth Observation Space Mission provide new commercial opportunities for the sector. Thus, Australian space technology startups will have the support to foster innovation and collaboration worldwide.
Science and Technology Minister Melissa Price said it was the largest investment in Australia’s civilian space sector.
NSW Minister of Enterprise, Investment, and Trade, Stuart Ayres, says Space Machines are at the forefront of Australian space technology. The Government of NSW is proud to support its work.
“This latest mission sounds fascinating, and I have no doubt that her work will contribute to improvements and solutions that will put Australia at the forefront of this critical need,”
“We rely on space and satellite technology to mitigate, manage, and respond to natural emergencies, broadcast information, communicate with our loved ones, use the Internet, and monitor our finances. This latest mission sounds fascinating, and I have no doubt that her work will contribute to improvements and solutions that will put Australia at the forefront of this critical ,eed.” said Ayres
The SpaceX deal follows SMC’s expansion into India, opening new offices in Bangalore to foster technology collaboration between the two countries. The company has also deepened its executive and advisory teams with two key appointments.
There are currently more than 6,000 active and inactive satellites in orbit; by 2030, there will be more than 100,000.
Space will increasingly require infrastructure and logistics services to support and manage the exponential growth of satellites and debris worldwide. SMC says developing a local space logistics capability ensures Australia can meet this growing challenge and work its satellites in space.
Anthony Kittel, founder and CEO of advanced electronics manufacturer Redarc Electronics joins SMC as a member of the Advisory Board.
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