Technologies on the path to impact

SmartSat’s research is impact driven, uniting researchers, industry, and end-users to ensure real-world relevance and tangible outcomes.

In close collaboration with Defence, SmartSat rigorously tests proposals, benchmarks research performance, identifies opportunities to transition capabilities, and ensures strict compliance with national security policies like Defence Export Control.


Accelerating development of Australian capability in deployable optical satellite communications

SmartSat’s research has resulted in a number of demonstrations to Defence and other stakeholders, for example at Talisman Sabre 2023. This research has created technology options for future MILSATCOM capability with higher capacity and more resilience. It has also resulted in industry developing the world’s first Compact Hybrid Optical RF User Segment (CHORUS) based on an in-service maritime SATCOM terminal.

Advanced Optical Clocks for Precision Timing

SmartSat drove the development of advanced, high performance optical clocks that promise to provide GNSS independent precision timing for terrestrial and space based applications. This technology was demonstrated at RIMPAC and highlighted the fact that Australian research is competitive with US service lab developments in this critical area. The Australian Space Agency is now funding space qualification activities and the technology is feeding into early ASCA funded projects.

Space-Based Edge Processing for Faster Data Delivery

SmartSat’s research into space based, edge processing of sensor data aims to reduce the end-end delivery time of sensor data collected in space. This research, deployed operationally by Geoscience Australia to reduce bushfire threat warning times, has excellent potential to transition to a national security application such as Foundation Geospatial Intelligence production. The launch of the SA Government Kanyini spacecraft, a program led by SmartSat, is also driving research into advanced processing of space based hyperspectral imagery that will further build Australian capabilities in edge processing of space data.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Communications for Tactical Use

Research into critical technologies for resilient, narrowband Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications has enabled a multi-million dollar Space Command project to demonstrate tactical communications from a commercial LEO satellite. This has directly built industry capabilities in the development and deployment of advanced waveforms that create viable alternative capability solutions for future resilient and scalable narrowband SATCOM.