Optus is partnering with the department-funded iLAuNCH Trailblazer, HEO, Inovor Technologies and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) to build, launch and operate a sovereign Australian Low Earth Orbit Satellite.
The project will:
- leverage HEO's specialised space telescope designed to take high-resolution photos of space objects, providing government agencies and commercial customers with critical insights.
- support the development of a compact communication terminal that functions at fast speeds, using laser light to send and receive data between another satellite or a ground terminal.
The satellite will be built by Inovor Technologies and operated from Optus' Belrose Space Operations Centre in Sydney from early 2028.
Head of Satellite and Space Systems at Optus, Nick Leake said,
"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."
Executive Director of the iLAuNCH Trailblazer, Darin Lovett said the project represents Australia's transformation from world class research to sovereign space capabilities.
"iLAuNCH 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," Darin said.
"Together, we're strengthening our national space ecosystem and driving innovation for global impact."
The Australian Government has committed $370.3 million over four years for the Trailblazer Universities Program. Through this initiative, six Australian universities have received $50 million in funding, which has been matched by university and industry partner contributions.
In other Trailblazer news, the program recently featured as part of the World Expo 2025 event in Tokyo, Japan. Representatives from the Trailblazer universities shared insights into transformative projects under the program, with a strong focus on industry collaboration and research commercialisation.
The Trailblazer Recycling & Clean Energy (TRaCE) also held a "Technology for Tomorrow" showcase to shine a light on leading research-industry collaborations which are fast-tracking the commercialisation of recycling and clean energy technologies.
