Space Machines Company’s Optimus launched on SpaceX rocket

Australia’s Space Machines Company has announced the successful launch of Optimus, Australia’s largest-ever private satellite and the company’s first Orbital Servicing Vehicle (OSV). The foundation of Space Machines Company’s future satellite servicing infrastructure departed at 9:05 AM AEDT on 5 March from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket during the Transporter-10 mission. (IMAGE: Space Machines Company) Following its successful liftoff, Optimus will prioritise reaching its orbital slot where it will then commence its full testing campaign. Weighing 270 kilograms, the launch of Optimus marks a major milestone for Australia’s sovereign space capabilities. It reinforces Space Machines Company’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that change how satellites are launched and operated on local soil. As the first Australian commercial satellite capable of providing existing space infrastructure and satellites with life-extension services, inspections and assistance on-orbit, Optimus heralds the beginning of a new era in space sustainability. Rajat Kulshrestha, Space Machines Company CEO said, “The successful launch of Optimus opens up new possibilities for how satellites are launched and operated. We believe it will transform the economics of space infrastructure. As the foundational asset in our architecture of servicing vehicles designed to repair, refuel, upgrade and relocate other satellites, Optimus enables us to provide services to extend satellite lifetimes, reduce space debris and sustainably scale space activities.” With intentions to grow its fleet of Orbital Servicing Vehicles, Space Machines Company is actively exploring opportunities with local and international partners to integrate and demonstrate new servicing capabilities. “We are thrilled that our vision of robotic satellites sustaining our space infrastructure is one step closer to becoming a reality,” Kulshrestha said. “And this is just the beginning.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]