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Gilmour Space Technology has struck a deal with LatConnect 60, a Perth-based company launching its own Low Earth Orbit (LEO) smart satellite constellation, to use the Gold Coast rocket developer's ElaraSat satellite bus for a demonstration mission aimed at providing high-resolution insights into methane and carbon emissions from space.
LatConnect 60, a company established to generate vital insights from Earth observation data, plans to gather essential data on emissions to support the agriculture, resources and other sectors in achieving their emissions reduction and net-zero targets.
The company’s program was given a major boost by the Australian Space Agency (ASA) earlier this year through a $5.8 million grant.
As part of the ASA’s International Space Investment India Projects program, LatConnect 60’s Short-Wave Infrared Imagery Satellite (SWIRSAT) will carry advanced sensors and an edge computer provided by Sydney-based Spiral Blue.
These components will be integrated onto the ElaraSat bus at Gilmour Space's Australian Space Manufacturing Network facility in Queensland and launched by Skyroot Aerospace in India.
“SWIRSAT will generate critical insights from very high spatial resolution Earth observation data in the short-wave infrared range,” says Venkat Pillay, the CEO and founder of LatConnect60.
“It will pinpoint and quantify source-level carbon emissions at a high accuracy, filling a key data gap in the market from LEO.”
The satellite bus comprises the structural body and primary systems of satellites while the payload specific to the satellite mission is integrated and tested on the satellite platform.
“This 100kg prototype satellite will be a key milestone in LatConnect 60’s vision to deploy a LEO constellation that will deliver vital Earth observation data and insights, starting with carbon emissions monitoring, to both government and commercial customers,” says Mark Grimminck, head of satellites at Gilmour Space.
“We’re excited to be supporting this important capability for Australia and beyond.”
The deal with LatConnect 60 is the second contract announced by Gilmour Space for its 100kg satellite bus, which is capable of supporting a wide range of applications and missions in LEO.
Earlier this month, Gilmour Space was cleared by federal authorities to launch its sovereign-developed Eris rocket from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland.
The company is backed by venture capitalsts including QIC, Blackbird, Main Sequence and Australian superannuation funds HostPlus and HESTA.
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