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Australia looks towards space with force restructure, investment and training

15th July 2025 - 10:54 GMT | by Damian Kemp in London, England

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Australia’s Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 includes High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) live firing but also space operations. (Photo: Australian Department of Defence)

Australia is looking to improve its presence in space with a focus on communications and creating a dedicated segment of its defence forces committed to the domain.

Australia has committed funding towards the development of an indigenous Low Earth Orbit (LEO) communications satellite and is establishing a dedicated space operations force. This is occurring at the same time as Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 which includes a focus on space operations.

Defence Australia has announced it is contributing $4 million (US$2.6 million) to the LEO project under an arrangement with local telecommunications company Optus which will lead a consortium and provide investment and in-kind resources. The satellite launch is expected to take place in 2028.

The communications system, using both laser light and radio-frequencies for data transfer, will be developed

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Author

Damian Kemp

Damian Kemp has worked in the defence media for 25 years covering military aircraft, defence …

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