Australian orbital servicing satellite launched

Australian startup Space Machines Company has announced the successful launch of Optimus, Australia’s largest-ever private satellite and the company’s first Orbital Servicing Vehicle (OSV).

The foundation of Space Machines Company’s future satellite servicing infrastructure departed at 9:05 AM AEDT on 5 March from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket during the Transporter-10 mission.

Following its successful lift-off, Optimus will prioritise reaching its orbital slot where it will then commence its full testing campaign.

Weighing 270 kg, the launch of Optimus marks a major milestone for Australia’s sovereign space capabilities. It reinforces Space Machines Company’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that change how satellites are launched and operated on local soil.

As the first Australian commercial satellite capable of providing existing space infrastructure and satellites with life-extension services, inspections and assistance on-orbit, Optimus heralds the beginning of a new era in space sustainability, according to the company.

“The successful launch of Optimus opens up new possibilities for how satellites are launched and operated,” said Rajat Kulshrestha, Space Machines Company CEO. “We believe it will transform the economics of space infrastructure. As the foundational asset in our architecture of servicing vehicles designed to repair, refuel, upgrade and relocate other satellites, Optimus enables us to provide services to extend satellite lifetimes, reduce space debris and sustainably scale space activities.”

With intentions to grow its fleet of Orbital Servicing Vehicles, Space Machines Company is actively exploring opportunities with local and international partners to integrate and demonstrate new servicing capabilities.

“We are thrilled that our vision of robotic satellites sustaining our space infrastructure is one step closer to becoming a reality,” Kulshrestha said. “And this is just the beginning.”

Xavier Orr, CEO and Co-Founder of Advanced Navigation, said: “We’re honoured to join Space Machines Company on its journey to support the sustainable development of the space economy. Optimus will demonstrate Boreas X90’s highly precise navigation capabilities as it manoeuvres the OSV efficiently within and between orbits, saving on fuel and time, and optimising mission success.”

SMC’s 270 kg Optimus OTV is one of the largest commercial spacecraft designed and manufactured in Australia. The spacecraft’s assembly and integration occurred at the Space Machines Company facility within the University of Technology Sydney’s (UTS) Tech Lab.

“Our collaboration with Space Machines Company marks a significant milestone in our mission to foster innovation and drive transformative change in the Australian space industry,” said Professor Andrew Parfitt, UTS Vice-Chancellor & President. “By combining academic expertise with industry vision, we have created a dynamic partnership that is pushing the boundaries of space technology.

“This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for our students, researchers and industry partners to thrive in the rapidly evolving space sector. Together, we are shaping the future of space exploration and laying the foundation for a vibrant and sustainable space ecosystem in Australia.”

Image: Render of Optimus separating from SpaceX’s Falcon 9. Credit: Space Machines Company.