The Adelaide-based SmartSat CRC has launched a $7 million project to develop new autonomous spacecraft using artificial intelligence (AI). The three-year project, Spacecraft Autonomy and Onboard AI for Next Generation Space Systems, known as SCARLET-α, will bring together eight SmartSat…
The UK’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organisation has conducted the first trials of a mine hunting ‘mothership’ and autonomous vessels as a step towards fielding an autonomous mine hunting capability. In a milestone moment for the future of Royal…
Australia’s Defence Space Command moved from the Royal Australian Air Force to the Joint Capabilities Group (JCG) on 1 July as part of the Australian Government’s response to the Defence Strategic Review (DSR). Additionally, No. 1 Space Surveillance Unit (1SSU)…
Sydney-based DroneShield Ltd has been awarded a follow-on 2-year R&D contract worth $9.9 million by a Five Eyes Department of Defence (DoD). The award follows DroneShield materially completing the $3.8 million contract announced 4 June 2021 with the same DoD. The company has not named the customer. “Follow-on contracts are…
As it promised, the Australian Department of Defence on 1 July launched the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) to drive Defence innovation and the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) which will be responsible and accountable for the management and oversight of…
BAE Systems Inc in the USA has successfully tested Manned- UnManned Teaming (MUM-T) on the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) C4UAS as a technology demonstration using IAI/ELTA Systems Ltd’s Rex MK II Unmanned Infantry Combat Support System. The teaming technology enhances…
Construction of the first new Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN) satellite dish has begun at Lockheed Martin’s Telemetry Tracking and Command Station in Uralla, New South Wales. SouthPAN improves positioning accuracy to as little as 10 centimetres which will help…
The Australian government has cancelled the $1.4 billion National Space Mission for Earth Observation (NSMEO) which was announced by the former Minister for Science and Technology in March 2022. The cancellation has been blamed on the need to achieve budget…
The federal Department of Industry Science and Resources is seeking comment from industry on its new $392 million Industry Growth Program (IGP). The closing date for comments and consultation is 30 July. The IGP, which replaces the Department’s previous Entrepreneur’s…
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) has awarded 10 Australian space projects grant funding worth nearly $40 million in total. The funding falls under the Demonstrator Program of the Australian Space Agency’s Moon to Mars initiative and will…