Fleet Space Technologies has unveiled a new satellite after investor funds roll in

Fleet Space Technologies has unveiled a second satellite design as part of a “bold new strategy” to be a world leader in the sector.

Fleet cofounders Matt Pearson and Flavia Tata Nardini with the 3D-printed small satellite named Alpha. Picture: Supplied

Fleet Space Technologies has unveiled what is says is the world’s first entirely 3D-printed satellite, which it aims to put into orbit next year.

The Adelaide-based satellite firm recently raised $US26.4m from high profile investors including Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes’ investment company, and says it will use the money to expand the scope of its space ambitions.

The company currently has six “Centauri” nanosatellites in orbit - each about the size of a shoebox - with a goal for a constellation of 140.

The new, larger “Alpha” models, which Fleet says will be ready for launch in 12 months, will sit alongside the Centauri satellites, and will be able to provide high speed connectivity and unlimited data services globally.

An artists’ impression of Fleet Space’s Alpha satellite.

Fleet co-founder Flavia Tata Nardini said the company, based in Adelaide’s west, aimed to become a leader in the global satellite sector.

“It is Fleet Space’s vision that everyone, everywhere, has access to unlimited connectivity, no matter where they are on the globe; in cities, remote regions, on land or navigating the oceans,’’ Ms Tata Nardini said.

“Alpha represents a major step forward and the first time a satellite has been created entirely through 3D-printing.

“By bringing together the creation, deployment and service of space technology, this is a clear statement of our intent to become a global leader in space technology, and to support Australia’s ambition to lead this critical field.

The Fleet Space Technologies team.

“It also allows us to drive down costs and truly democratise this technology, connecting more people, places and things to unlock the radical efficiencies we know that global connectivity enables.”

Fleet says its ability to 3D-print antennas for small satellites, which was a world-first, underpinned the development of the Alpha satellite, which would include 64 antennas versus just four in the Centauri 4.

The company recently said it aimed to hire about 70 new staff using the money raised from investors, which valued it at more than $170m.

Fleet’s Centauri satellites, which are about the size of a shoebox, are used to communicate with low-power devices on the earth’s surface, allowing wide-scale monitoring at low cost, and in areas where mobile phone networks are not available.

Fleet said there was huge demand for high-speed, low latency connectivity, with The International Data Corporation forecasting there would be more than 14 billion connected devices in operation by 2025.

“The deployment of Fleet Space’s SmallSat Alpha constellation will service this crucial sector by providing limitless connectivity and will add data driven applications,’’ the company said.

“Working alongside its existing SmallSat Centauri constellation, it will unlock new markets with continuous coverage, a high data rate of up to 520kbps and tailored frequency bands servicing current and future generations of IoT (internet of things) devices.’’

Artesian Venture Partners, Blackbird Ventures, Grok Ventures and Horizons Ventures reinvested in the company in the latest funding round, while there were “major commitments’’ from new investors including Alumni Ventures, Hostplus, the South Australian Venture Capital Fund (SAVC) and In-Q-Tel, Fleet said.

Fleet’s co-founder is Matt Pearson, whose companies Airspeeder and Alauda Aeronautics are currently working on launching a global electric flying car Grand Prix series.

Originally published as Fleet Space Technologies has unveiled a new satellite after investor funds roll in