Renewing their partnership, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Space Machines Company (SMC) have announced an industrial-scale spacecraft manufacturing facility.
Based at UTS Tech Lab in Sydney, the Optimus Factory (OF-01) represents a major milestone for Australia’s space industry, enabling large-scale design, assembly, and testing of spacecraft in the 300kg class.
“This partnership is focused on joint research and development, enabling UTS and SMC to shape the future of the space industry in Australia and globally,” said pro vice chancellor at UTS Michael Blumenstein.
The facility will feature an 800-square-metre spacecraft production space and will house a satellite Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) cleanroom.
The asset supports future defence requirements to bolster national security, as well as commercial applications. It enables SMC to deliver high-fidelity intelligence while safeguarding space assets.
“Until now, Australia has been largely dependent on overseas suppliers for space assets and technology, limiting our strategic autonomy and industrial growth,” said
“By establishing local manufacturing capabilities, we’re creating high-skilled jobs and retaining intellectual property within our borders, ensuring Australia can independently develop, produce, and deploy the space infrastructure essential for our future security and prosperity.”
This space production capability exemplifies the Future Made in Australia vision, building domestic industrial capacity in critical technologies.
Space Machines Company is developing the Optimus Platform, the largest commercial spacecraft ever built in Australia. Designed to provide in-orbit transport and servicing capabilities, the platform is projected to generate $3.6 billion in economic benefits by 2040.
