The Commonwealth signed the contract with veteran-owned Asension through the Defence Innovation Hub for a space-based tactical sensor system.
The contract is valued at $4.35 million.
Asension, having rebranded from its former name of DEWC systems, has been working on the design of the sensor system for over two years through the Defence Innovation Hub program.
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The company is headquartered in the South Australian Space Industry Centre.
Having visited the company’s headquarters in August, Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy welcomed the ongoing development of Australia’s space capabilities to bolster Australia’s national security.
“The government’s partnership with innovative small businesses such as Asension will be critical to growing a robust, resilient and innovative industrial base for space technologies in Australia,” Minister Conroy said.
“Under this contract, Asension will continue the development of a sovereign, space-based tactical sensor system.
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“If successful, this technology will enhance the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) capability in the space domain through greater situational awareness and visibility.”
According to Defence, the contract will enable continued collaboration between the company and the Australian Defence Force, with Asension successfully maturing their sensor technology following a Defence Innovation Hub contract in 2020.
“This investment will help build Australia’s sovereign space industry and skilled workforce,” Minister Conroy continued.
“The government is focused on nurturing Australian defence innovation, while supporting veteran-owned businesses who bring the expertise and experience to solve Defence’s tactical and strategic challenges.”
Ian Spencer, chief executive officer of Asension, explained that the contract would help the company develop integral space capabilities for the Australian Defence Force.
“This contract has been pivotal to the successful development of this capability to date and has enabled Asension to grow as a company,” he said.
Liam McAneny
Liam McAneny is a journalist who has written and edited for his University International Relations journal. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Wollongong in 2021. He joined Momentum Media in 2022 and currently writes for SpaceConnect and Australian Aviation. Liam has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations as well as astronomy.
Send Liam an email at: [email protected]
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