Veteran-owned South Australian company Asension has been awarded a $4.35 million contract through the Defence Innovation Hub to deliver a space-based tactical sensor system for use by Defence.
Announcing the contract, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said 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.
“Under this contract, Asension will continue the development of a sovereign, space-based tactical sensor system,” Minister Conroy said.
“If successful, this technology will enhance the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) capability in the space domain through greater situational awareness and visibility.”
The contract follows Asension’s success in maturing their sensor technology through a previous Hub contract awarded in 2020.
According to the Minister, this latest investment will continue the strong collaboration with the ADF in progressing the development of a tactical sensor that will be at the cutting edge.
“This investment will help build Australia’s sovereign space industry and skilled workforce,” Minister Conroy said.
“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.
Asension’s CEO Ian Spencer said the contract was an exciting opportunity for the small business to grow its workforce and to progress important space capability for Defence.
“This contract has been pivotal to the successful development of this capability to date and has enabled Ascension to grow as a company,” Mr Spencer said.
