An Australian space firm is one step closer to making air travel safer, more efficient, and more resilient. 

As part of their mission to create an Air Traffic Management (ATM) constellation, Skykraft announced today the launch of five more satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, United States. 

The launch brings Canberra-based company Skykraft closer to its objective to deploy a space-enabled ATM network in 2026. 

This network will be used to deliver a global air traffic management service that could provide constant real-time communications between air traffic controllers and pilots. 

With 15 spacecrafts launched to date, this ATM network is set to benefit remote areas not only on land, but also across oceans.

Advancing Australian and Indian space capabilities

Today's launched mission, Skykraft 4, will also strengthen the civil-space innovations and commercial ties between Australia and India. 

In 2024, the Canberra-based company was awarded $3.7 million as part of the Australian Space Agency's International Space Investment – India program. 

The primary objective of Skykraft 4 is cross collaboration between multiple partners in Australia and India to develop a collaborative, affordable and resilient Low Earth Orbit’s Positioning, Navigation and Timing system. 

The cutting-edge technology will also demonstrate GNSS-Radio Occultation, Reflectometry and Precision Orbit Determination. These capabilities improve weather forecasting, ocean monitoring, and enhance satellite safety in an increasingly congested space environment. 

"Skykraft’s focus on continuously enhancing advanced technologies to improve air traffic control — and ultimately make air travel safer, is the driving force behind our company’s success. 

"The Skykraft 4 mission marks another breakthrough in Skykraft’s mission, as the Canberra-based company continues to push boundaries to make air travel safer, more efficient, and more resilient,”

~ Dr. Michael Frater, CEO, SkyKraft

 

Main image credit: SpaceX

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