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The local space start-ups have joined forces to develop a sovereign software-defined space-to-ground capability.
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Antaris Inc and Quasar Satellite Technologies have formed a partnership aimed at developing a new satellite constellation management solution.
Quasar has committed to integrating its digital multi-beam phased array technology — designed to enable customers to manage spacecraft constellations through a single ground station connection — into Antaris Inc’s software-defined open satellite platform.
Antaris is set to be one of Quasar’s first demonstration users upon the launch of its multi-beam service in early 2023.
Antaris aims to make ground contact from its demonstrator satellite via an API service with the company’s S-band antenna following its launch later this year.
This is expected to provide Quasar with connectivity via its marketplace to customer base, which includes SATCOM providers, space agencies, defence and intelligence entities and contractors, and space start-ups.
“We are hugely excited to be partnering with Quasar to help mission owners and satellite operators significantly reduce the cost of managing constellations,” Antaris Inc co-founder Shankar Sivaprakasam said.
“Quasar’s digital multi-beam phased array ground station is a game changer.”
According to Sivaprakasam, Quasar’s connectivity from a single station simplifies and creates a cost-effective earth-spacecraft communication.
“Being able to offer Quasar connectivity-as-a-service via the Antaris software-defined satellite platform for our SaaS customers will give us a significant advantage as we start to roll out our platform to clients across the world,” Sivaprakasam added.
Quasar Satellite Technologies CEO Phil Ridley welcomed the opportunity to work with Antaris on building an end-to-end software defined satellite platform.
“The Antaris SaaS marketplace solution for orbiting mission design and management is a perfect match for our flexible ground station solution, and together they offer satellite mission designers a range of choices for developing their satellite capabilities for launch and then communicating with them in a cost-efficient way when in orbit,” Ridley said.
Aurora Space Cluster — which helps facilitate collaboration between start-up and mentors, supporting partners, corporates, and aerospace primes — also welcomed the partnership, with board chair Dr Tim Parsons claiming it would unlock new opportunities in the space ecosystem.
“It is fantastic to see Antaris and Quasar working together to offer differentiated space to ground segment services,” Parsons said.
“This partnership will not just benefit both of these high-profile space start-ups as they establish themselves, it reduces costs while simplifying a critical element of constellation management.
“These in turn creates opportunity for further innovation. It is exciting to see two of our Aurora Space Cluster members making a positive impact to the space sector in Australia, and internationally.”
[Related: Thales Alenia Space tapped to develop advanced global navigation system ]
