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A space company based in South Australia has demonstrated satellite-enabled Push-to-Talk (PTT) capabilities under the ASCEND2LEO project, funded by Defence Space Command, garnering commendation from SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (SmartSat).
This accomplishment, facilitated by SmartSat and Safety from Space, involved adapting a variant of the ‘Beagle’ communications waveform, originally developed through SmartSat-funded projects. The company successfully implemented this adapted waveform on the Centauri-4 satellite, showcasing a significant milestone in PTT capabilities. This breakthrough opens avenues for more secure, reliable, and instantaneous communications over vast distances using advanced microsatellite architectures.
The demonstration conducted for the Australian Defence Force Joint Capabilities Group validated the adaptability of the Centauri satellites. Through a software update, these satellites were able to deliver high-quality voice capabilities while in orbit, laying the groundwork for the Regenerative Voice System architecture of the ASCEND2LEO program. This successful demonstration underscores the potential of highly adaptable microsatellite constellations to swiftly deploy purpose-built, high-quality SATCOM capabilities at scale to address diverse and complex needs.
SmartSat’s Defence & National Security Coordinator lauded the technical feat achieved in enabling a new voice capability for satellites already in orbit. He stressed the critical role of SmartSat in bolstering SATCOM resiliency for Australian Defence and validating the ambitious Regenerative Voice System architecture.
During the live demonstration hosted by the Defence Science & Technology Group (DSTG), the company’s PTT capabilities met stringent performance criteria for one-way voice transmission across various operational environments, showcasing reliability and link persistence across thousands of kilometres.
The Co-Founder & Chief Exploration Officer at the space company highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation in meeting the evolving needs of the Australian Defence Force. By successfully delivering a software update to their Centauri satellite while in orbit, Fleet Space established itself as the developer and operator of the world’s smallest known voice-enabled satellite, paving the way for new innovation pathways in the global space industry.
The foundational ‘Beagle’ waveform technology, initially demonstrated in SmartSat’s Resilient Emergency and Search and Rescue Communications project, has seen progressive applications. It was further developed in the LunaSAR project, focusing on emergency communications for astronaut suit telemetry and lunar terrain vehicle telemetry, supporting NASA’s Artemis program. In its current iteration for the ASCEND2LEO program, a variant of the Beagle waveform was tailored for the company, following an AU$6.4 million contract with Defence Space Command.
The ASCEND2LEO research partnership led by SmartSat aims to advance the national space and defence industry by leveraging Australia’s competitive strengths. Facilitating collaboration between the space company and research partners such as the University of South Australia, DSTG, and Safety from Space, SmartSat ensures the integration and validation of cutting-edge technologies onto Fleet’s satellite payload. These efforts contribute to the development of a resilient space infrastructure not only for Australia but also for its allies worldwide.
OpenGov Asia reported earlier that the SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (SmartSat) is investing AU$2.3 million in In-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) research. Led by the University of Sydney and NSW industry partners, the project focuses on developing robotic satellite technologies for in-orbit repairs.
ISAM tackles challenges like harsh space conditions and the risks of damaging assets during docking. It aims to enable real-time, dependable close-proximity operations for effective satellite servicing. SmartSat’s holistic approach integrates key technology areas to address these challenges comprehensively.
This initiative, alongside projects like ASCEND2LEO, highlight the development of Australia’s space capabilities. ASCEND2LEO’s success in satellite-enabled Push-to-Talk (PTT) further demonstrates SmartSat’s role in fostering innovation across various space technologies, contributing to Australia’s leadership in space innovation and the development of a resilient space infrastructure.
