Defence launches Buccaneer Main Mission nanosatellite

A fully operational, Australian-made nanosatellite has been launched from the United States into low-Earth orbit. Buccaneer Main Mission is the second of two CubeSats launched launched by Defence’s Science and Technology Group (DSTG)under the Buccaneer project, following the successful launch of Buccaneer Risk Mitigation Mission in 2017. DSTG’s partner is UNSW Canberra.

Buccaneer Main Mission’s objective is to collect high-frequency measurements in low-Earth orbit, to better understand radio-frequency propagation through the ionosphere. It will look down at the ionosphere from an altitude of about 500km.

“The in-orbit outcomes from Buccaneer Main Mission will inform future space-based capability for Defence, and the technology and knowledge gained will be available for Australian industry for use in developing future capabilities,” said Professor Tanya Monro AC, Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist.

The payloads were designed by Defence’s Science and Technology Group (DSTG), who also integrated the satellite and qualified it for space worthiness, supported by the RAAF and Space Command in Defence’s Joint Capabilities Group.

South Australia-based small space business, Inovor Technologies Pty Ltd, developed and built the satellite bus, which is the main body and structural component of the nanosatellite. The nanosatellite weighs about 8kg and measures approximately 30cm x 20cm x 10cm. Another South Australian company, REDARC, conducted anechoic chamber testing of the nanosatellite.

The Buccaneer Main Mission nanosatellite was launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on the Transporter-13 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Use of the Falcon 9 launcher was enabled by the US Department of Defense’s Space Test Program.

The collaboration effort with Defence Industry was critical to the successful launch of Buccaneer Main Mission, according to a DSTG statement.

“The launch of the nanosatellite is a testament to the ingenuity of the Australian space industry and academia base and demonstrates how Defence is harnessing the key expertise and facilities available on our home soil,” said Professor Monro.