Cloud power officially opened its new production facility in the center of Canberra on UNSW Canberra City campus today. The new plant enables the development of the largest Australian-produced space payload ever, weighing 300 kg, which has been confirmed for launch this year with SpaceX from Florida.
Skykraft, is an Australian company that provides services from space. Skykraft is currently focusing on the development and spread of a space-based Air traffic control (ATM) service. The new production facility in Canberra will produce the 200+ satellites that will form the constellation providing the ATM services, with the operating constellation launched during 2023. The upcoming launch with SpaceX will be a testament to the concept of the rollout of Skykraft ATM services. Space-based ATM addresses the gaps in surveillance and communication for aircraft traveling across regions not covered by existing systems, such as oceanic or remote areas.
With a strong engineering team, based on the co-founders Dr. Doug Griffin (Chief Engineer) and Dr. Craig Benson (Chief Innovation Officer), and an agile technological approach, Skykraft is positioned to offer a unique global product that will not only provide prospects for significant job creation and opportunities on land for the growing space sector, but also provide the superior capacity needed for our defense and government programs.
The new facility will have produced five satellites by June 30, 2022, and a further 12 satellites will be produced in the second half of 2022. Production will increase in 2023, with 45 satellites targeted in the first half of 2023 and then build to 120 satellites produced in the second half of 2023.
The production facility was officially opened by the head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermowho said it highlighted the rapid growth of the local space sector.
“Skykraft’s space-based solution allows real-time communication between air traffic controllers and pilots, enabling reduction of separation between aircraft over oceanic airspace, increasing efficiency and delivering environmental benefits. Our satellite constellation will be a world first, proud out of Australia.Said Skykraft’s chairman, Air Vice Marshal (retired) Mark Skidmore.
“This facility further underscores the great momentum that has been promoted since the establishment of the Australian Space Agency and why space is one of six priorities under the Australian Government’s modern manufacturing strategysaid Mr. Palermo. “As our space sector grows, it not only creates opportunities within these space companies, but across a range of industries, which means jobs with all different competencies. “