Nova Systems’ space ground station signs European deal

Premier Steven Marshall has officially opened the Nova Systems Space Precinct in South Australia after the company signed a landmark new collaboration agreement with European space company Leaf Space. The 21-hectare site outside Peterborough already supports several international space and technology companies with plans to grow capacity.  “This unique ground station hosts world leading technology connecting satellites to Earth and supports the state’s plan to grow its presence in the $500 billion-a-year global space sector,” Marshall said.  Nova Systems’ Space Precinct supports the Australian Space Agency and caters for data download needs of the ever-increasing number of satellites and constellations. “It provides vital in-country capability, a critical element of Australia’s space industry eco- system and has been designed for the international space market,” said Jim McDowell, Chief Executive Officer, Nova Systems. “We have invested more than half a million dollars into Peterborough since we commenced operations in 2019 and are delighted to be working closely with Peterborough Council and the community to contribute to generations of innovation and growth in the district,” said McDowell.  Nova Systems successfully acquired Australia Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) licensing in commercial UHF, S and X-band for the Peterborough location and is currently connecting fibre to the site which will increase the commercial client base and attract further interest from Government clients. In addition to supporting several international ground stations for clients including Tyvak USA, RBC USA, and Leaf Space Italy, the Nova Systems Space Precinct is earmarked to host Nova Systems’ Passive Array Sensor solution as part of its offering for the Defence Space Situational Awareness Project JP9360 in an all-Australian collaboration with Curtin University.  The site will also accommodate the UHF terminal that is part of the Nova Systems’ Autonomous Intelligent Ground Station System (NAIGS) being developed as part of the Australian Space Agency’s funded Space Industry Responsive Intelligent Thermal (SpIRIT) Satellite Project.  “The continued development and future success of the Peterborough site is testament to our space capability, made up of satellite communications and space specialists working at the forefront of industry,” said McDowell. “Our team has a broad range of skills that cover the gamut of design, engineering, integration, installation, launch, communications, test and commissioning.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]