"Fleet Space's successful demonstrations of high-performing SATCOM capabilities reflects our readiness to deliver resilient space-based systems using advanced microsatellite architectures with flexible and multi-purpose payloads," said Co-Founder and CEO of Fleet Space Technologies, Matt Pearson.
"With Centauri 6, Fleet Space has established a proof-of-concept for delivering sovereign SATCOM capabilities. We're proud to pioneer this new-to-world innovation path to deliver advanced SATCOMs with reduced cost and added resilience in support of Australia's Defence Space Strategy priorities and the expanding needs of allies and international partners around the world. Our demonstration of microsatellite-enabled full duplex SATCOMs establishes Fleet Space and Australia's space sector on the forefront of the global effort to build secure, flexible multi-orbit capabilities."
Earlier this year, Fleet Space demonstrated Push-To-Talk capabilities by reprogramming the Centauri-4 satellite, making it the smallest voice-enabled satellite globally. Building on this, Centauri-6 - launched in April on SpaceX's Bandwagon-1 mission - was adapted to perform full-duplex SATCOM.
This capability was powered by a re-engineered waveform developed collaboratively with Safety from Space, SmartSAT CRC, and the University of South Australia (UniSA), with support from the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). The ASCEND2LEO initiative combines efforts from Defence and research partners to establish adaptable, rapidly deployable low-Earth orbit systems for tactical communications in challenging environments.
"Custom waveforms operating in very low, size, weight and power applications are a critical part of enabling specialised satellite capabilities," noted Dr. Mark Rice, Founder of Safety From Space. "We're excited to continue working with partners to help build secure, scalable and resilient satellite-based solutions in support of the ambitious objectives of the Australian private and public sectors."
The TVAD demonstration, hosted by UniSA, exceeded rigorous performance benchmarks for voice quality, reliability, and link persistence. The system enabled seamless voice and data communication between two distant users, showcasing the flexibility and reliability of reprogrammable microsatellites for tactical missions.
"We understood from the outset that helping to shape the concept of this demonstration would open new innovation pathways for future resilient space-based capabilities," said Peter Kerr, Defence and National Security Coordinator at SmartSat CRC.
Fleet Space designed Centauri-6 with advanced in-orbit reprogramming capabilities, optimized payload flexibility, and increased uplink capacity. These enhancements support rapid deployment and resilience in data transmission, essential for evolving defence and allied mission needs. UniSA supported the TVAD testing through advanced satellite tracking systems that ensured uninterrupted communications between test terminals.
"The University of South Australia is proud to contribute space-enabled systems and expertise to support the testing of advanced space capabilities that unlock new possibilities for Australia's domestic space sector," said Sebastien Hebert, Director of Defence and Space at UniSA.
"Hosting this bold and ambitious demonstration reflects our institution's commitment to bringing the best of Australian ingenuity together to build innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of Defence and allies around the world."
Fleet Space's ongoing innovations extend beyond defence. The company's ExoSphere platform leverages its LEO satellite network and patented seismic sensors to provide real-time 3D imaging of the Earth's subsurface, a capability being adapted for lunar exploration under NASA's CLPS initiative. In 2026, ExoSphere's SPIDER seismic technology will become the first Australian seismic system deployed on the Moon, aiming to uncover geological data and locate water ice deposits.
Related Links
Fleet Space Technologies
Read the latest in Military Space Communications Technology at SpaceWar.com
| Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters |
| Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters |
