Adelaide-built satellite, Kanyini, has achieved another significant milestone with the successful completion of its Environmental Stress Screening (ESS) and full System Integration Review ahead of its official launch in mid-2024.
The rigorous ESS testing exposed Kanyini to the harsh physical and environmental conditions it will encounter throughout its operational lifespan in orbit, including extreme temperature variations, intense vibrations and crushing vacuum conditions.
During the two-week testing at the National Space Test Facility at the Australian National University in Canberra, Kanyini demonstrated exceptional performance, remaining fully operational throughout the ESS.
Kanyini Mission Director from the SmartSat Collaborative Research Centre, Peter Nikoloff applauded the Kanyini mission team’s outstanding achievement.
“In reaching this milestone, Kanyini has already achieved one of our key goals for the mission – building the capacity of the Australian space industry and advancing the local expertise within the sector,” Mr Nikoloff said. “Once launched, Kanyini will unlock even more opportunities for research and development of innovative, sovereign Australian technologies.”
The Kanyini mission is a collaboration between the South Australian Government, the SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre as mission lead, Adelaide-based commercial satellite manufacturer Inovor Technologies, and global IoT provider Myriota.
Collaborating partner and founder and CEO of Inovor Technologies Dr Matt Tetlow further celebrated the successful results.
“The stellar results from the ESS not only validate the meticulous testing processes we’ve implemented but also exemplify the steady commitment of our team in producing world class technology,” he said. “Our team has worked very hard over the past few years and is excited about the impact our technology will make in advancing Earth observation capabilities.”
Following the completion of the ESS and a full System Integration Review the South-Australian based mission team have now commenced the final manufacturing phase in preparation for the milestone launch. The satellite will take flight onboard SpaceX’s Transporter-11 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA.
Once in orbit, Kanyini’s dual IoT and imager payloads will deliver critical space data that will be used by government and research institutions to enhance their knowledge – particularly in relation to sustainability and climate impacts.
The build and future launch of Kanyini exemplifies the power of South Australian space industry collaboration and expertise, driving significant advancements in local capability.
Deeply rooted in South Australia, Myriota CTO and co-founder Dr David Haley said the company’s 70-person team was eagerly looking forward to Kanyini’s launch.
“This milestone advances our mission and also positions South Australia at the forefront of the national space industry. Collaboration with partners SmartSat CRC and Inovor Technologies has been key in leveraging home-grown expertise,” said Dr Haley.
“Once launched, Kanyini will enhance the Myriota Network and facilitate critical IoT sensing worldwide.”
Follow Kanyini’s journey at kanyinimission.com.au
