Space Machines Company (SMC) has announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to test the deployment of nanosatellites from Fleet Space Technologies, Adelaide’s nanosatellite manufacturer for the Internet of Things (IoT).
The first mission will analyse the suitability of SMC’s Orbital Transfer Vehicle, Optimus, to deliver Fleet’s satellites in its orbit.
The MoU allows Fleet to trial SMC as an in-space logistics provider. The Adelaide-based company has launched six satellites since 2018 and has plans to launch batches of new satellites in 2022
Fleet Space CEO Flavia Tata Nardini says “Partnering with SMC will give us the option to speed up the build time of our space infrastructure, meaning our low-cost satellite-based communication system for Industrial IoT will be available to our customers sooner.”
For SMC CEO Rajat Kulshrestha the MoU is a “testament to the rapid growth of Australia’s space industry and an opportunity to work with one of the most innovative companies in the country.”
The launch is expected to happen at the end of 2022.
Additionally, Space Machines Company has also partnered with Leaf Space, to support its first Orbital Transfer Vehicle, Optimus-1, launch next year. With corporate headquarters in Lomazzo, Italy, and U.S. headquarters in Northern Virginia, Leaf Space provides ground segment services for both satellite operators and launch providers throughout the entire lifecycle of their operations, beginning with launch and early operations (LEOP), ongoing mission operations, and extending through decommissioning of the space asset.
“We are excited to announce this partnership with Space Machines Company as it highlights the growing need for precise in-space logistics as we see more and more satellites go into orbit, each with specific mission requirements,” said Jai Dialani, Managing Director at Leaf Space. “Leaf Space is looking forward to providing our fast, reliable and flexible ground station solutions to support Space Machines Company’s Optimus-1 mission next year.”
The partnership will enable SMC to utilise Leaf Space’s Leaf Line solution, which will employ Leaf Space’s global ground station network to support the launch of its first Orbital Transfer Vehicle in 2022.
Rajat Kulshrestha, SMC founder and CEO, said this partnership is another critical step in preparing its first mission in 2022. “We are proud to partner with Leaf Space as it is an important step in furthering Australia’s sovereign capability and expanding our services globally.”
