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.

Satellite info

Nation: Australia
Company/operator: Skykraft
Platform/configuration: Skykraft
Mass: 300 kg
Orbit: 510 km - 525 km Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Instruments:
  • ADS-B receiver
  • VHS communication
Purpose: Air Traffic Management (ATM)
Launch vehicles: Falcon 9
Website: https://www.skykraft.com.au

Skykraft

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