Australia’s M1 CubeSat nears launch
Australia’s M1 CubeSat satellite is going through its final testing phase at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra Space Centre before its planned launch in September 2018, the Australian Department of Defence announced on 7 June.
The M1 CubeSat is one of three satellites being developed at UNSW Canberra Space under a $10 million contract signed with the Royal Australian Air Force in November 2017. The second and third satellites are scheduled for launch in 2019 in a formation known as M2.
The small and versatile satellites have re-programmable software defined radios on board, allowing operators to change their mission and improving their functional capabilities for multiple uses.
The M1 spacecraft will give Australia new ways to collect remote sensing information in support of operations.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![British Army’s ISR commander warns of new challenges facing defence forces]()
British Army’s ISR commander warns of new challenges facing defence forces
The race between using ISR and resisting the use of it by enemies has accelerated, leading to new methods and systems being required, according to the British Army’s lead on its ISR efforts.
-
![Push for greater use of open source data, says senior British officer]()
Push for greater use of open source data, says senior British officer
The huge amount of open source data available may not carry the weight of secret sources but it does carry substantial value, according to speakers at Defence IQ C4ISR Global conference in London.
-
![Jacobs wins MoD cyber-security support contract]()
Jacobs wins MoD cyber-security support contract
The deal with Jacobs will run until November 2027 and will see the company deliver a range of digital and IT specialist professional services to Defence Digital.
-
![Orbit upgrades two multi-purpose terminals and carries out land testing]()
Orbit upgrades two multi-purpose terminals and carries out land testing
The communications company has upgraded two of its Beyond Line-of-Sight Multi-Purpose Terminals (MBTs) by introducing advancements in satellite communication technology and AI-driven maintenance capabilities.
-
![Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg]()
Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg
Norway's Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has announced that its subsidiary Kongsberg NanoAvionics will produce three satellites and launch them in 2025.
-
![First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched]()
First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched
In 2015, South Korea named a consortium of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Systems, along with Thales Alenia Space providing the SAR payload derived from its HE-R1000 product, as preferred bidder to develop new Korea 425 Project reconnaissance satellites.
