Strategic partner to
fast-track space technologies
20 July 2022
Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist
Professor Tanya Monro has announced that Airbus has been
selected as the strategic partner for Defence’s
Resilient Multi-mission Space STaR Shot – a strategic
research program established to develop future space
capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
An experienced satellite developer
and integrator, Airbus Defence and Space will work with
Defence to deliver the ambitious Defence space research
program which is aimed at ensuring Australian war
fighters have assured access to satellite services.
“By partnering with Airbus, we will
fast-track the development of critical satellite
technologies for the ADF, and ensure that our war
fighters have ongoing access to resilient and trusted
communication, intelligence and surveillance services,”
Professor Monro said.
Airbus was selected as the
preferred strategic partner by a panel of experts from
Defence and the Australian Space Agency. It will be
supported by three Australian industry partners: Inovor
Technologies, Shoal Group and Deloitte, as well as
academic partners and a range of Australian
small-to-medium enterprises.
“This is a true collaboration
between government, industry and academia that will help
position our growing Australian space sector to deliver
future sovereign space technologies and operational
capabilities,” Professor Monro said.
Planning has already commenced for
two experimental satellite missions. Defence has
purchased two Airbus Arrow 150 satellite buses valued at
over $20 million. These satellite buses will be
outfitted with payloads and technologies developed by
Australian industry and academia.
“The Arrow satellites provide some
of the earliest possible opportunities to take
Australian-developed Defence payloads into space,” she
said.
“As our domestic space sector
matures, we will use locally designed and built
satellites that are expected to be the most ambitious
satellites ever designed and built in Australia.”
In total, the Airbus partnership
represents an investment of more than $40 million in
satellite technologies.
“Self-reliance in space
technologies is critical if we are to ensure the defence
and security of the country,” Professor Monro said.
The signing of the strategic
partnership augments an ongoing strategic relationship
between Defence and Airbus under a Strategic Research
and Development Alliance.