The Australian startup Space Machines Company (SMC) has secured the support of SpaceX as a launch partner in carrying SMC’s Optimus Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) to space as a part of its April 2023 mission.
The 2023 mission is expected to demonstrate the 270kg Optimus OTV’s ability to deliver in-space logistics services and will aim to reinforce SMC’s strategy as a ‘last-mile delivery services provider’.
The Optimus OTV is reportedly one of the largest commercial spacecraft designed and manufactured in Australia.
The Optimus spacecraft’s assembly and integration will occur at the SMC facility within the University of Technology Sydney’s (UTS) Tech Lab.
Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO of Space Machines Company said. “Space-based technology underpins a lot of the daily conveniences Australians have come to expect such as weather forecasting, emergency management, internet access and online banking.
“To support and fully commercialise the potential of in-space service delivery, the right logistics infrastructure needs to be in place.
“Space Machines is leading the development of Australia’s capability in this critical area and we are thrilled to be taking the next step in the commercialisation of our service with SpaceX.” said Kulsherstha
“Logistics is the new frontier in space innovation. Space-based technology underpins a lot of the daily conveniences Australians have come to expect such as weather forecasting, emergency management, internet access and online banking.”
“To support and fully commercialise the potential of in-space service delivery, the right logistics infrastructure needs to be in place. Space Machines is leading the development of Australia’s capability in this critical area and we are thrilled to be taking the next step in the commercialisation of our service with SpaceX,” he said
SMC looks to capitalise on the Federal Government’s AU $1.16 billion commitment to boost Australia’s space industry. Other than funding, Federal initiatives such as the 16-year Earth observation national space mission will grant new commercial opportunities for the sector. Australia’s space tech startups will thus have the support to further innovation and collaboration globally.
Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price said this was the most significant investment ever made in Australia’s civil space sector.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade for NSW, Stuart Ayres, says Space Machines is at the forefront of Australia’s space technology, and the NSW Government is proud to support its work.
“This latest mission sounds fascinating, and I’ve no doubt that its work will help drive improvements and solutions that 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 control our finances. This latest mission sounds fascinating and I’ve no doubt that its work will help drive improvements and solutions that put Australia at the forefront of this critical need.” said Ayres
The SpaceX deal follows SMC’s expansion to India, opening new offices in Bangalore to foster technological collaboration between the two countries. The company has also deepened its executive and advisory teams with two key appointments.
More than 6,000 active and inactive satellites are currently in orbit, and by 2030 there will be more than 100,000.
Space will increasingly need infrastructure and logistics services to support and manage the growth exponential growth of satellites and debris in the world. SMC says its development of a local space logistics capability is intended to help ensure Australia can meet this growing challenge and manage its satellites in space.
Anthony Kittel, founder and CEO of advanced electronics manufacturer Redarc Electronics, joins SMC as an Advisory Board member.
