Insider Brief:
- SmartSat has announced it will invest $2.3 million in a research project to develop Australia’s In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) capacities.
- At the heart of the initiative lies a strategic endeavour to integrate autonomous robotic systems seamlessly into real-time, close proximity operations.
- Central to the research endeavour is the construction and demonstration of an end-to-end software stack, encompassing four advanced autonomy technologies within a unified code repository.
Australia’s leading space research center, SmartSat, has unveiled a project aimed at catapulting the nation into the forefront of the burgeoning field of In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM). With a substantial investment of $2.3 million, SmartSat’s initiative is poised to revolutionize satellite maintenance and upgrade operations, positioning Australia as a key player in the global space supply chain.
Headquartered at the University of Sydney, SmartSat’s groundbreaking project has garnered support from an array of industry allies, including Abyss Solutions, ANT61, Space Machines Company, Sperospace, and Spiral Blue. Together, these entities will work to mitigate risks associated with satellite collisions and ensure stability during servicing maneuvers.
At the heart of the initiative lies a strategic endeavour to integrate autonomous robotic systems seamlessly into real-time, close-proximity operations. By addressing the critical technology gaps within a single research framework, SmartSat aims to offer a comprehensive solution to the intricate complexities of satellite servicing.
Professor Andy Koronios, CEO of SmartSat, emphasizes the significance of ISAM technology research for Australia’s burgeoning space sector. With satellites increasingly populating Earth’s orbit, the imperative for effective maintenance and upgrading capabilities has never been greater. “The ability to service and enhance satellites in-situ, thereby prolonging their operational lifespan, is paramount for both governmental and private entities,” Professor Koronios states. “This project will foster the development of essential autonomy technologies, ensuring Australia remains competitive in the global ISAM arena.”
Central to the research endeavor is the construction and demonstration of an end-to-end software stack, encompassing four advanced autonomy technologies within a unified code repository. Industry partners will collaborate closely with the University of Sydney to integrate their respective technologies, showcasing the feasibility of future all-Australian satellite servicing missions.
Dr. Xiaofeng Wu, Senior Lecturer in Space Engineering at the University of Sydney, underscores the project’s significance in bolstering Australia’s sovereign capabilities and positioning local firms at the forefront of innovation. “By laying the groundwork for foundational ISAM capabilities, we are empowering Australian businesses with state-of-the-art technologies, enabling them to gain a competitive edge in the global space industry,” Dr. Wu affirms. “The University of Sydney is primed to lead the charge in establishing Australia’s inaugural suite of core capabilities for autonomous orbital robotics.”
For more market insights, check out our latest space industry news here.
Share this article:
