Core Commercialisation Projects
Core Commercialisation Projects
iLAuNCH has brought a powerful consortium of industry and research partners together focusing on 18 projects to build a civil launch industry with an associated manufacturing supply chain. These core commercialisation projects aim to elevate the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of vital late-stage research projects for commercial-ready applications and pathways to market.
Creating the necessary technologies with industry partners provides a manufacturing supply chain that is required to sustain this industry as it accelerates from mid-TRL companies through to launch-ready systems.
The 18 iLAuNCH core commercialisation projects fall into the following seven key categories of research commercialisation for the space technology sector with an aim to reach TRL 4-8.
Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing is critical for the rapid design phase and integration of Space componentry, limiting the risk of component failure whilst meeting precise tolerance and thermal/mechanical properties.
Key Projects
- Metallic lattice repair of composite substrates – to advance adhesively bonded composite repairs with additive-manufactured metal for defence and space applications.
- Additive manufacture of novel materials for optical components and satellite sub-assemblies – to expand intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for space satellites and satellite platforms in general.
- Additive manufacture via electon beam (EBM) for space capability – to bring to market additive manufacturing products via EMB processes for space componentry.
Hypersonics and Flight Diagnostics
Building infrastructure and develop on the capability to conduct research and testing in support of design and manufacturing of rockets.
Key Projects
- Hypersonic flight diagnostics – to develop an advanced airborne observation capability that will be provided as a service delivery for industry, defence, and researchers for product development and research.
- Development of an AI/ML-enabled space surveillance mission – to develop advanced space-based technologies and systems to enhance defence capabilities.
- Develop simulation capabilities for the analysis of hypersonic systems – to advance the development of cutting-edge hypersonic vehicle technologies, strengthening regional Queensland’s role in defence and aerospace innovation.
Materials and Processing
World-class sovereign manufacturing capability that is cost competitive and utilises the latest advancements in materials is vital for realising the full potential of an Australian space manufacturing industry.
Key Projects
- Carbon fibre additive manufacturing for products for space – to develop advanced carbon composite structures for space-launch vehicles.
- Prototype a Radioisotope Heater Unit (RHU) supported technology platform – to provide thermal management for multiple lunar night survival.
- Developing high-performance alloys to convert heat into electricity for high efficiency Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) technology – to enhance the efficiency and output of RTGs and commercialise long-term power sources to spacecraft where solar energy cannot be relied upon.
- Developing large-scale advanced carbon composite structures for rockets – to build low weight and high strength structures and components that can withstand the extreme loads, vibrations and shocks of launch without failure.
Rocket Manufacturing
Develop rocket components and associated testing and training capability.
Key Projects
- Developing an innovative vectored thrust control system – to enhance guidance, navigation and control on CubeSats.
- Design and manufacture solid rockets locally, suitable for STEM training, plus research and development in hypersonics and rocketry for the Australian context.
Rocket Launch
Design a launch rail and launch pad for a sovereign civil launch site.
Key Projects
- Developing ground and drone-based imaging capabilities – to enable the tracking and triangulation of test objects.
- Overcoming thermal load challenges during a launch, the project will incorporate chemically activated waste mud to create a geopolymer with mechanical and fire properties exceeding that of standard concrete.
Satellites, Communications and Sensors
Developing the commercial potential of a range of technologies required for successful operations in space.
Key Projects
- A multi-sensor detector controller for Earth observation – to mature detector controller technology for low-noise, high resolution remote sensing from space.
- Manufacturing a space transport and logistics platform – to develop a platform with multiple applications, including deployment of payloads to desired orbits, inclination changes, orbit raising, servicing and exploration missions.
- Manufacturing wearable-based health solutions for space – to tap into the growing market for space travel by manufacturing space-ready micro-wearables, and commercializing medical digital twin services for remote, personalised and automated healthcare in space and on Earth.
- Developing a new software-defined radio (SDR) solution – to make satellite communications more resilient.
- Next-generation satellite communications – developing and demonstrating advanced satellite communications technology and services that can enter the global supply chain.
- Manufacturing a commercial space services platform – to evolve spacecraft platform and payload capabilities with a coordinated ground-test and flight-validation program.
Advanced Technologies for Aerospace and Space Applications
Capturing space, aerospace and high technologies that have exceptional value and technical merit to the ecosystem. Technologies may include:
- upstream and downstream space manufacturing technologies
- emerging early-stage capabilities
- traditional manufacturing as a spin-inn to the space ecosystem.