Skykraft (Skykraft)

Skykraft is an Australian space services company that specialises in the design, manufacture and operations of satellite constellations for the delivery of global services. Skykraft was established in 2017 as a spin off from space capabilities incubator UNSW Canberra Space and are located in a dedicated manufacturing facility in the centre of Canberra as part of UNSW Launch. Skykraft is developing a new space-based service to increase air safety and address gaps in surveillance and communications for aircraft travelling across oceanic or remote areas that are limited by ground-based communications infrastructure. With Skykraft, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and airlines can expect a full range of surveillance and communications services for Air Traffic Management. We are the only service that can provide seamless global communications to aircraft, delivering real-time communication between air traffic controllers and pilots, increasing safety in the air, enhancing efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. Skykraft is building a 200-strong satellite constellation that will address gaps in surveillance and communications for aircraft travelling over remote and oceanic areas, including long-haul trans-Pacific flights. Weighing in at over 300 kilograms each, they are the largest Australian-designed and made objects that have ever been launched into space. The first satellites were deployed in January 2023, hitching a ride on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

Images: Skykraft