Mission purpose
AUSTRALIS 1 is being developed as a practical technology demonstrator: two approximately 30 kg-class spacecraft operating cooperatively in low Earth orbit. This initial mission will demonstrate the fundamental capabilities required for a networked satellite constellation, including formation flying and inter-satellite communications links. It will also prove several key technologies required for the future AUSTRALIS capability including a re-programmable software-defined radio communications architecture, autonomous spacecraft operations and a networked ground segment.
The objective is not simply to place two satellites in orbit. It is to establish and flight-test a reusable Australian engineered satellite system architecture that can support larger networked communications missions in the future.
Primary demonstration objectives
Commission both spacecraft
Establish reliable command, telemetry, navigation, attitude control and payload health.
Conduct formation flying operations
Validate relative navigation, separation management and coordinated operations.
Demonstrate the inter-satellite crosslink capability
Exchange data directly between the two spacecraft and characterise link performance.
Demonstrate distributed ground networking
Pass commands and mission data through the selected ground station.
Reconfigure on orbit
Adjust software-defined radio parameters through uplink of authenticated software updates.
Iterate for the next mission
Clear Space Technologies will continue to adapt with lessons learned from each AUSTRALIS mission, incorporating these lessons into follow on missions. This will ensure that the AUSTRALIS program presents Australia with the most suitable constellation to meet its unique requirements.
Mission Philosophy
AUSTRALIS 1 will establish the framework for a robust systems and network architecture, allowing the demonstration and development of critical technologies along a phased pathway to an operational sovereign satellite constellation.