UTS to open Australia's largest spacecraft manufacturing facility

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Space Machines Company (SMC) have announced the creation of Australia’s largest industrial-scale spacecraft manufacturing facility and renewed their partnership for a further three years.

Located at UTS Tech Lab in Sydney, the Optimus Factory (OF-01) establishes critical sovereign capability for the design, assembly and testing of 300 kg class spacecraft at scale.

The expanded facility will have an additional 800 m² spacecraft production space, making the OF-01 Australia’s largest satellite assembly, integration and test (AIT) cleanroom.

The partners say the facility, which will support future defence requirements, will bolster national security and commercial applications, enabling SMC to deliver immediate, high-fidelity intelligence and safeguard critical space assets. This space production capability also fits in with the federal government’s Future Made in Australia vision, building domestic industrial capacity in critical technologies.

The facility will have the capacity to produce five Optimus Viper spacecraft simultaneously, scaling to over 20 units per year. Announced in December 2024, Viper is SMC’s rapid-response spacecraft variant currently under development as an evolution of the company’s first vehicle, Optimus. The facility is scheduled to be operational by late 2025, with production of multiple SMC Viper spacecraft expected to commence in early 2026. Upon completion, it will be the largest satellite assembly facility in Australia.

Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO of Space Machines Company, said: “OF-01 marks a historic transformation in Australia’s sovereign capabilities, shifting our nation from a consumer to a producer of critical space infrastructure to close Australia’s space production gap at a pivotal moment in Indo-Pacific security.”

Professor Michael Blumenstein, Pro Vice Chancellor (Business Creation and Major Facilities) at UTS, said: “This partnership is focused on joint research and development, enabling UTS and SMC to shape the future of the space industry in Australia and globally. It also provides UTS students and researchers with access to leading-edge technology and real-world experience, placing them at the forefront of space innovation.”

Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo commented on the milestone.

“The OF-01 facility represents an exciting leap forward for Australia’s space industry. This collaboration between Space Machines Company and UTS Tech Lab showcases Australia’s commitment to being an active, capable partner in the international space community,” he said. “It will help drive the Australian Government’s agenda to grow our nation’s industrial capability, boost productivity, build economic resilience and create a fairer society.”

Image: Optimus spacecraft. Credit: UTS Tech Lab