Grant Funding Helps SA Space Start-Ups Shoot for the Stars
Credit: AICRAFT
The South Australian space industry is set to reach new heights, thanks to the South Australian Space Collaboration and Innovation Fund, which has provided critical grant funding to two innovative local start-ups. Safety from Space and AICRAFT have each secured $100,000 in funding from the inaugural fund, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in space technology.
Innovations Leading the Way
Credit: LEOFLECT
Safety from Space, with its Lunar Search and Rescue (LunaSAR) project, aims to trial advanced satellite communications (SATCOM) capabilities for astronaut search and rescue operations on the moon. This Australian-first field trial of lunar distress beacons, in collaboration with NASA, the US and the Australian arm of The Mars Society, along with a collective of Australian partners, represents a significant leap forward in space technology.
Meanwhile, AICRAFT’s ‘Leoflect’ project is focused on creating a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload with world-leading AI capabilities. This lighter and smaller SAR antenna, coupled with advanced AI models for high-speed data processing and analysis on orbit, is set to significantly enhance available SAR satellite capabilities and drive innovation in space technology.
Driving Global Impact
The successful partnership between AICRAFT and India’s Guerin Technologies demonstrates the power of international collaboration in advancing space technology. AICRAFT's CEO, Tony Scoleri, highlights the importance of this collaboration, stating, "We have developed strong relationships with the Indian space ecosystem and are thrilled to partner with Guerin Technologies on our ‘Leoflect’ project to harness the innovation in both our companies and deliver the most compact SAR antenna and most compact, low-power onboard computer on the market."
Safety from Space’s founder, Mark Rice, emphasizes the critical role of their breakthrough communications technology in ensuring the safe return of astronauts during emergencies, with potential applications for interplanetary exploration.
The State's Commitment to Innovation
Quotes from the South Australian Treasurer and Minister for Defence & Space Industries, Stephen Mullighan, underscore the government’s dedication to supporting the local space industry. The grants awarded to these pioneering space start-ups reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to advancing advanced technologies and fostering strong international partnerships within the space sector.
Looking Ahead
South Australia's position as a leader in the Defence and Space sectors continues to be reinforced, with local innovations driving economic benefits and global impact. As the state paves the way for future space exploration and technology, the South Australian Space Collaboration and Innovation Fund is poised to accelerate the development of local space innovations and collaborations with international partners.
The impact of Safety from Space’s LunaSAR project and AICRAFT’s ‘Leoflect’ project extends far beyond geographical boundaries, with the potential to revolutionize the space technology landscape and contribute to global advancements in space exploration and satellite capabilities.
The grant funding provided to Safety from Space and AICRAFT has paved the way for transformative advancements in space technology and international collaboration, positioning South Australia as a driving force in the global space industry. As these innovative projects continue to develop, the impact on global space technology promises to be significant, underlining the state’s commitment to leading the way in space innovation and exploration.
Original article: https://sasic.sa.gov.au/events-news-media/media/grant-funding-helps-sa-space-start-ups-shoot-for-the-stars/
