Type of activity

Multi-mission space platform

Key dates

Launched in June 2025

Key organisations involved

Gilmour Space Technologies, CSIRO and Starfish Space

The locally designed and built satellite bus, ElaraSat MMS-1 (Multi-Mission Satellite-1), carries a hyperspectral imager from our partners at CSIRO, designed to monitor water quality from space.

It was launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-14 mission in June 2025.

Since reaching orbit, ElaraSat MMS-1 has:

  • Completed platform commissioning
  • Verified satellite bus systems are operating as expected
  • Demonstrated reliable S-band communications and X-band downlink

The Australian Space Agency granted authorisation for this space activity on 28 April 2025.

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NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman peers out of one of the Orion spacecraft's main cabin windows, looking back at Earth, as the crew travels towards the Moon. Image Credit: NASA

NEWS • National capability

30 October 2026

Here’s a recap of some of the key developments and capabilities from October that are shaping Australia’s space industry.

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The ARC Training Centre for Space Domain Awareness_Credit: University of Western Australia

NEWS • National capability

23 October 2026

The Australian Research Council's latest investment will support Australia’s ability to manage satellites, space traffic and space hazards. The newly announced Centre joins other ARC-backed initiatives supporting national space capability.

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JAXA astronaut Furukawa Satoshi performs "Starfish exercise for Microgravity" proposed by students from Thailand for Asian Try Zero-G 2023. Credit: JAXA/NASA

NEWS • Inspiring Australia

16 October 2026

Led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, this educational program is supported by the Australian Space Agency and will be delivered by One Giant Leap Australia. Applications close on Monday 30 November 2026.

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Young Torres Straight islanders holding signed postcards of Katherine

NEWS • Space history and culture

12 October 2026

The Torres Strait Regional Authority recently invited the 2026 Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg to visit Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait). In this feature, Katherine briefly shares the lessons she learnt during her four-day visit.

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Anna Riddell Supervising maintenance of the 26 m radio telescope at the Mt Pleasant Observatory, Hobart. Credit: Lucia McCallum, University of Tasmania

NEWS • People in the sector

9 October 2026

To mark Earth Science Week 2026, Anna shares in this feature how looking to space helps us better understand, protect and navigate the place we call home.

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Katherine Bennell-Pegg with students at Charlesville

NEWS • Inspiring Australia

8 October 2026

Since March, the 2026 Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg has been touring states and territories, empowering students and communities, and promoting Australia's space sector.

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Our department recognises the First Peoples of this Nation and their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to the lands, waters, seas, skies, and communities.

We Acknowledge First Nations Peoples as the Traditional Custodians and Lore Keepers of the oldest living culture and pay respects to their Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples.