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South Australia will be the first state government to embark on a mission into space as part of a new program announced today, backed by local tech firms Myriota and Inovor Technologies.
The $6.5 million space mission will see the Marshall Government and the SA space industry send a locally manufactured small satellite into low Earth orbit.
Once in space, the information gathered by the satellite will improve the state's emergency services, monitor water quality and help mitigate bushfires.
To be launched in 15 months, the satellite will be available for three years to 2024 for data collection and operations.
The SA Government also hopes the 'SASAT1 Space Services Mission' will strengthen the competitiveness of local businesses in the small satellite supply chain, paving the way for external investment and the future growth of the national industry.
Local satellite connectivity innovator Myriota has been tapped to manage the Internet of Things (IoT) space services, and Adelaide-based manufacturing company Inovor Technologies has been charged to build the South Aussie satellite.
"South Australia is embarking on a bold mission with industry to design and build a satellite to deliver space-derived services to the state a venture never undertaken before by any State Government around the country," SA Premier Steven Marshall said.
"Not only will the satellite help us make better decisions for state services, it comprehensively cements South Australia as the space state."
Once launched into low Earth orbit, the satellite will support data collection from ground based sensors plus Earth observation imaging via a hyperspectral electro-optical payload.
IoT connectivity, to be developed by Myriota, will support the collection of data about multiple weather events, including rainfall and bushfires.
Myriota CEO and co-founder Dr Alex Grant says the mission provides a great opportunity for understanding the state's environment, while simultaneously creating opportunities for collaboration across South Australia's growing space ecosystem.
"South Australia sits at the heart of Australia's space industry and is leading the growth of our national ecosystem." Grant said.
"The Space Services Mission will benefit South Australians through the improved delivery of emergency services, and environmental monitoring."
The deal with the SA Government is the latest coup for Myriota.
In April 2020 the company completed a $28 million Series B funding round backed by high-profile investors including former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
The company said it would use the new funding to bolster its constellation of satellites to 25 by 2022, grow its headcount by 50 per cent in the next two years, and expand internationally.
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