Skykraft prepares to deliver a world-first global constellation for space-based Air Traffic Management services with AUD$3.5 million investment.
8 December 2021
Skykraft today announced it has closed a funding round of AUD$3.5 million with the participation of investors including Allan Moss (former CEO of Macquarie Group) and Adcock Private Equity to deliver a world-first global satellite constellation for space-based Air Traffic Management.
Skykraft is positioned to offer a unique global product that will not only offer the prospect of significant job creation and onshore opportunities for the growing Space sector but also deliver the sovereign capability needed for our defence and government programs.
Joe Capra, founding principal of Lennoxgrove Capital stated "Skykraft has developed a leading technology with global relevance and unique attributes in Surveillance and Aviation Communication services for the large Air Traffic Management sector. Skykraft’s solution also contributes to CO2 abatement by allowing aircraft to travel on more efficient flight paths, which translates into both environmental benefits and reduced fuel costs for airlines."
The Australian developed and manufactured SmallSats will replace ground-based infrastructure for Air Traffic Management with space-based systems, for both surveillance and communication services.
Skykraft’s Executive Chairman, Air Vice Marshal (retired) Mark Skidmore, said “Skykraft’s space-based solution allows real-time communications between air traffic controllers and pilots, allowing for the reduction in separation between aircraft over oceanic airspace, enhancing efficiency and delivering environmental benefits. Our SmallSat constellation will be a world-first, proudly out of Australia.”
Skykraft Co-founders, Chief Engineer Dr Doug Griffin and Chief Innovation Officer Dr Craig Benson have 20+ years satellite mission and aerospace experience, including European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA missions, RAAF and UNSW Canberra Space.
In December 2020, Skykraft signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airservices Australia, to explore and demonstrate the feasibility of space-based surveillance and communication technologies and its application in the aviation eco-system.
The capital will be used to design, build and launch the Block II validation satellites (9 SmallSats scheduled to launch in June 2022 with SpaceX).
Skykraft’s first launch will consist of a 300kg satellite payload. This follows Skykraft having successfully completed rigorous ground testing and validation of its Block I SmallSat (Majura) in June 2021.
For more information about Skykraft, please visit: www.skykraft.com.au
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Interviews with Skykraft Executive Chairman Mark Skidmore available on request.
For media enquiries please contact: Michelle Bates | 0422 383 229
About Skykraft
Skykraft is an Australian space services company based in the ACT that specialises in the design, manufacture and operation of SmallSat constellations for the delivery of global services. Skykraft is developing a constellation for space-based Air Traffic Management services with operations commencing in 2023.