Skykraft and Extaterrestrial Power’s collaboration bolsters the Australian space economy.

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Extraterrestrial Power (ETP) is privileged to fly our large solar panels on Skykraft4 mission, powering their 5 satellites, which launched from California on Thursday, July 23 aboard the TRACERS mission. Skykraft is building a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites to deliver space-enabled Air Traffic Management and this launch marks an important milestone toward enabling continuous global surveillance and communications—enhancing aviation safety and efficiency powered by Australian technology.

 

“We are extremely proud of this business collaboration because it shows mutual interest, trust and support to create an Australian sovereign space ecosystem grounded in a united entrepreneurial partnership spirit. With a successful client mission we are excited to close our $1M pre-seed investment round with defence industry veteran Air Cdre (ret) Terry van Haren, Flying Fox Ventures and Melt Ventures, to enable us to grow with our customers and meet their evolving needs. We hope our shared desire for collective success will not only stand the storms of space-technology, but will ultimately lead ETP to be part of the early creators of the future of humanity in space.” Peter Toth, CEO of Extraterrestrial Power.

 

“The communication and surveillance payloads on our Air Traffic Management spacecraft depend on a reliable supply of electrical power from our Solar Arrays. ETP has demonstrated a solid understanding of this requirement, collaborating closely with our Engineering team to develop solar arrays tailored to our stringent standards for quality, reliability, and performance.” Dr Michael Frater, CEO of Skykraft.

 

A heavily constrained supply chain for critical satellite components such as space rated solar cells can lead to up to 2 years of delay in launching satellites. Australia now has a domestic manufacturing capability in NSW to make space rated solar cells, with ETP able to service Australian and allied countries’ needs within a 3 month lead time, accelerating Australia’s growth in the sector.

 

About Extraterrestrial Power

Founded in 2019, Extraterrestrial Power is a space power company, delivering affordable solar panels for satellites. Our technology brings easy integration, cost efficiency and timely supply into customers’ lives.
Working closely with the University of New South Wales, the world-leading institute on solar power R&D, Extraterrestrial Power has developed radiation tolerant, silicon space solar panels that are 10x cheaper than existing space solar panels.

 

About Skykraft

Skykraft is building a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites to provide space-enabled Air Traffic Management services.  These services improve flight safety and efficiency by optimising aircraft separation and enabling carrier preferred air routes.  It has benefits in airspace from the most congested to the most remote: improving services, reducing fuel burn, lowering costs and minimising greenhouse gas emissions.