Aussie spacecraft lost in space before completing mission
Image credit: Space Machines Company
The fledgling Australian commercial space industry was dealt a major blow with the loss of the Optimus orbital servicing spacecraft. The Adelaide-based startup Space Machines Company lost contact with the satellite, billed as the largest Australian commercial satellite to date. Optimus was carrying multiple Australian payloads and technology demonstrations that are now lost opportunities to grow domestic space capabilities. While failures occur in the risky space industry, analyzing and learning from this loss will be critical for Australia's space economy.
Space Machines Company has lost contact with its Optimus spacecraft that was launched in early March. This is a major setback for the Adelaide-based start-up as the spacecraft was carrying multiple Australian payloads and technology demonstrations. It represents a significant loss for the fledgling Australian commercial space industry.
Optimus was billed as the largest Australian commercial satellite to date and was designed to be an orbital servicing vehicle that could physically move and dock with other satellites. Its loss before completing its mission is a blow to demonstrating this technology.
The spacecraft carried payloads and technology from various Australian companies and researchers. The loss represents setbacks for all of these stakeholders who were hoping to gain data and prove out their systems in space.
Optimus was developed by Space Machines Company, founded by two former directors of the failed startup Booodl. Its investors include high-profile Australian business figures. The loss raises questions about their due diligence.
The Australian Space Agency provided government support and had high hopes for Optimus advancing Australian capabilities in the space economy. Its loss represents a setback for Australian space ambitions.
Space is inherently risky but failures can provide learning opportunities. The Australian space industry must carefully analyze this loss to apply lessons learned to future missions.
Original article: https://www.indaily.com.au/business/space/2024/04/18/space-machines-company-searching-for-multi-million-dollar-space-taxi
