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A new Space Precinct in South Australia has officially been opened to connect satellite data to Earth, headed by a collaboration between Nova Systems and European company Leaf Space.
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The Nova Systems’ Space Precinct will support the Australian Space Agency (ASA) and will cater for the ever-growing data download needs of satellite and constellation operators.
Nova Systems is a local engineering and technology company and Leaf Space – headquartered in Italy – provides ground segment services for microsatellite operators.
Opened by South Australian Premier Steven Marshall, already half a million dollars has been invested into the project, designed to increase the international space market.
“This unique ground station hosts world-leading technology connecting satellites to Earth and supports the state’s plan to grow its presence in the $500 billion-a-year global space sector,” Premier Marshall said.
South Australia has rapidly notched up its space capabilities, especially within the past year, and is home to multiple space research hubs – the ASA and Lot Fourteen – which are the breeding grounds for many new start-ups in the industry.
The site is just outside Peterborough, and it occupies 21 hectares of land, intending to grow capacity in the coming years.
“It provides vital in-country capability, a critical element of Australia’s space industry ecosystem and has been designed for the international space market,” said Jim McDowell, chief executive officer of Nova Systems.
“The continued development and future success of the Peterborough site is testament to our space capability, made up of satellite communications and space specialists working at the forefront of industry.”
Nova Systems successfully acquired Australia Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) – the nations comms regulator – licensing in commercial ultra high frequency, S and X-band for the location.
Currently, the team is connecting fibre to the site which will attract further interest from both government and commercial clients, according to the company.
As part of Australia’s Civil Space Strategy 2019-28, a key factor is boosting international collaboration, while focusing on sovereign capability.
As more space hubs and precincts are planted, more international clients will require Australia’s capabilities which will nudge the nation into competition with other space giants, like the US and Europe.
The precinct already boasts of several clients, including Tyvak USA, RBC USA and Leaf Space Italy.
It will also be the home ground for Nova Systems’ Passive Array Sensor solution, which is being developed for JP 9360, Australia’s nationwide collaboration with Curtin University to boost defence and space situational awareness.
[Related: Nova Systems joins CAE-led Team AUStringer for AIR 5428 Phase 3]
