Space companies Inovor Technologies and LeoLabs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 17th Australian Space Forum in Adelaide, South Australia, signifying their intent to enhance space situational awareness and co-develop initiatives that support a safe and sustainable space ecosystem.
South Australian-based Inovor Technologies is an advanced small satellite mission solutions provider with a vision to create technology that can improve and protect our way of life on Earth. LeoLabs is a US-based provider of integrated solutions that monitor activity in space.
Together, they will focus on exploring the integration of Inovor Technologies’ ‘Hyperion’, a space-based surveillance data platform, with LeoLabs’ space radar data platform, to provide Space Situational Awareness (SSA) services ranging from LEO, MEO, GEO to CisLunar orbits.
SSA involves the detection, tracking and characterisation of objects in space, including debris and satellites, and helps to prevent collisions, mitigate risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities. With space-based technologies being relied on for communication, navigation and observation more than ever, SSA has become a critical concern for the global space industry due to increasing satellite numbers and ‘space junk’.
Dr Matthew Tetlow, Founder and CEO of Inovor Technlogies, said the signing of the MoU marked a significant step forward in the company’s mission to address the growing challenges in SSA and the long-term sustainability of space operations.
“By combining Hyperion with LeoLabs’ space data platform, we can provide unparalleled insights and services to customers, helping to ensure a safer space environment,” Dr Tetlow said.
Amidst a rapidly evolving space landscape, the MoU reinforces the importance of international collaboration in helping build the critical capabilities and solutions needed to respond to these challenges.
“LeoLabs looks forward to exploring opportunities to advance space situational awareness with Inovor Technologies,” said Tony Frazier, CEO of LeoLabs. “By leveraging our unique capabilities, we aim to ensure the continued safety and security of space assets in an increasingly challenging operational environment.”
The collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of both platforms and provide comprehensive and reliable data to support the ongoing growth and safety of activities worldwide.
“Collaborations of this nature not only help to build capacity within the South Australian space industry, but also help expose our state’s cutting-edge technology to international markets,” said Dr Catherine Grace, Director of Space at the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC). “The partnership is a true testament to the power of global collaboration, and a win for all involved.”
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Photo: Inovor Technologies and LeoLabs team signing MoU
