• iLAuNCH to partner with Optus, HEO, Inovor Technologies and DSTG to build, launch and operate a sovereign LEO satellite

• Two payloads confirmed through the iLAuNCH Trailblazer Universities Program, including HEO’s world-leading non-Earth imaging capability

• The spacecraft is targeting launch in early 2028

The iLAuNCH Trailblazer, together with partners Optus, HEO, Inovor Technologies and the Department of Defence’s Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), today announced plans to build, launch and operate a sovereign Australian Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in iLAuNCH’s mission to transition world-class university research into commercially viable, sovereign space capability for Australia.

Set to launch in early 2028, the satellite will carry two advanced payloads developed through the iLAuNCH Trailblazer Universities Program, an initiative proudly funded by the Australian Government Department of Education. The satellite will be manufactured by Inovor Technologies at Lot Fourteen in Adelaide, South Australia, and operated by Optus from its Belrose Space Operations Centre in Sydney.

Nick Leake, Head of Satellite and Space Systems at Optus said, “Connectivity continues to play a critical role in the Australian economy, whether that be through supporting small businesses in regional and remote towns or large enterprises with employees spread across the country, we must continue to explore new ways of delivering services that businesses rely on.

“By collaborating with Australia’s industry leaders across the public, private and academic sectors, we are able to further advance the use of technology to solve problems, fuel growth and define what’s next for the telco industry while supporting Australian businesses and Australian workers.”

There are two confirmed payloads, the first, led by Optus in partnership with HEO and the University of Southern Queensland, includes HEO’s new 20cm Adler Imager, a specialised space telescope designed to take high-resolution pictures of space objects, also known as non-earth imaging. This will allow for the consortium to leverage HEO’s unique capability to provide Defence, Intelligence and Civil government agencies and commercial customers with critical insights into space objects.

The space awareness information will assist with transparency in space and allow customers to manage and operate their space assets, protect essential space infrastructure, and optimise satellite life. Under this commercial and academic partnership, the capability will also be leveraged for better observation of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies.

The second payload, to be developed by the University of South Australia with support from SmartSat CRC, will include a compact communication terminal that functions at fast speeds, using laser light (optical) to send and receive data between another satellite or a ground terminal. The payload will also include a more conventional radio frequency communications capability, supporting DSTG’s ongoing research and development activities in optical and Low Earth Orbit satellite communications.

This exciting project builds on the innovative work already announced by iLAuNCH in partnership with The Australian National University (ANU), Optus and Leonardo UK to build smaller, lower cost laser communications ground stations. Additionally, Optus is in discussion with other partners to explore additional opportunities that will help develop future space capabilities, including multi-orbit pathways.

Further Quotes:

Darin Lovett, Executive Director of iLAuNCH Trailblazer said “This $50 million project represents a huge step forward in transforming Australia’s world class research to sovereign space capabilities for our nation. iLAuNCH, an Australian Government Department of Education Trailblazer program, is proud to have brought together incredible researchers from our partner universities – University of Southern Queensland, Australian National University, and the University of South Australia to deliver the next generation of communications and advanced space-based observation. Together, we’re strengthening our national space ecosystem and driving innovation for global impact.”

Joann Yap, Senior Partnerships Manager at HEO said, “This partnership brings an exciting convergence of HEO’s unique technological capabilities, Optus’ deep satellite operations know-how and the University of Queensland’s leading research.  At HEO, we’re passionate about bringing clarity to space through our non-Earth imaging technology, and we are excited to advance an Australian space domain awareness capability with our Adler payload on Inovor’s spacecraft. This collective effort is strategically designed to deliver robust, sovereign space solutions that benefit our nation and allies, and propel the entire Australian space industry forward.”

Dr. Matthew Tetlow, CEO – Inovor Technologies said, “This project is a great example of industry, academia and government coming together to develop groundbreaking space technologies to catapult the Australian space sector forward. For Inovor Technologies, this represents a significant milestone in our strategy to build larger, more capable spacecraft using the success we’ve achieved on orbit as a foundation to deliver genuine Australian-made space capability. This collaboration will strengthen our national space sovereignty by accelerating advanced satellite manufacturing, creating highly skilled jobs, and proving that Australia has the capability to lead in the global space industry.