01
Modular spacecraft
Develop a common spacecraft architecture intended to reduce redesign effort and support future mission variants.
AUSTRALISPathway to a trusted Australian Sovereign Satellite Constellation
A phased Mission commencing with a two-spacecraft low Earth orbit technology demonstrator, progressing to a constellation of modular satellite platforms that will provide a multi-purpose, resilient satellite capability for Australia.
AUSTRALIS Mission 1
2 spacecraftLEO technology demonstrator
≈30 kg classCompact, modular and scalable spacecraft architecture
Scalable dispenserDesigned and built in-house for reliable spacecraft deployment
Australian-ledDesigned to grow sovereign space engineering capability
From demonstration to networked capability.
Building on the Phase 1 demonstrator, AUSTRALIS will progress towards a resilient constellation of modular spacecraft, connected through domestic ground network infrastructure, and upgradeable to meet the evolving space capability needs of Australia.
Multi-role payloadsIntelligent NetworkingAustralian operatedAdaptable architecture
The mission
Demonstrating the building blocks of resilient orbital communications.
02
Scalable spacecraft dispenser
Develop a re-usable spacecraft dispenser that can be easily scaled for constellation deployments.
03
Software-defined payload
Use a reconfigurable communications payload to support evolving waveforms, networking experiments and on-orbit software updates.
04
Formation flying
Demonstrate coordinated operation of two spacecraft with relative navigation, controlled separation and mission-level autonomy.
05
Inter-satellite communications
Validate a reconfigurable crosslink between spacecraft as a foundation for future networked systems on orbit.
06
Ground connectivity
Demonstrate reliable command, telemetry and mission-data exchange through Australian ground infrastructure.
Development path
Designed as a flight program, not a paper study.
The AUSTRALIS program is a carefully phased set of on-orbit demonstration missions. This approach provides maximum opportunity for the modular architecture to grow in complexity and be adapted to evolving market requirements as the program progresses.
AUSTRALIS 1 · 2 satellitesProof of concept
Demonstrate formation keeping, continuous inter-satellite links, routed communications, autonomous reconfiguration, adaptive radio functions and over-the-air updates.
AUSTRALIS 2 · 4 satellitesExpanded capability
Extend the proven architecture with Earth observation, increased power and data rates, rapid manufacture and integration, and enhanced network security.
AUSTRALIS 3 · 20+ satellitesConstellation demonstration
Scale the capabilities demonstrated by AUSTRALIS 2 and introduce high-capacity optical communications between satellites.
Building capability that can scale beyond one mission.
The AUSTRALIS missions are intended to validate scalable spacecraft, communications and ground-segment systems as building blocks for a future Australian satellite constellation.