Priya PatelTLDR:
- UTS partners with high-tech start-up Space Machines Company to drive sustainability in the Australian space industry.
- The collaboration aims to build a business capable of inspecting, repairing, relocating, servicing, upgrading, and disposing of spacecraft.
In a significant move towards sustainability in the Australian space industry, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has joined forces with high-tech start-up Space Machines Company (SMC) to work on the satellite Optimus. This partnership comes at a time when the Australian government has set ambitious targets to triple the national space economy and create thousands of jobs by 2030. Recognizing SMC’s vision for a more sustainable space industry, UTS Tech Lab Director of Business Development Roger Kermode engaged with SMC CEO Rajat Kulshrestha to provide academic and technical expertise, cutting-edge facilities, and equipment for their satellite project.
Through this collaboration, SMC has gained access to state-of-the-art equipment at UTS Tech Lab, strengthening its pathway towards technological advancement and commercial viability. This partnership aligns with UTS’s strategic initiative to enhance industry partnerships and establish innovation precincts to support NSW’s innovation strategy. By fostering closer relationships with industry partners, UTS is creating new job opportunities, research avenues, and internships for students.
The successful launch of the Optimus satellite on March 5 marks a significant milestone in the Australian space industry, as it becomes the first commercial satellite capable of providing life-extension services, inspections, and on-orbit assistance to existing space infrastructure. With more than 20% of SMC employees coming from UTS, this collaboration has not only advanced space sustainability but also facilitated the growth of talent and expertise in the sector. As the partnership between UTS and SMC continues to thrive, the future of sustainable space practices in Australia looks promising.
