Optus-Led Consortium to Launch Australia’s First Sovereign LEO Satellite

Optus, in collaboration with iLAuNCH, HEO, Inovor Technologies, and the Australian Department of Defence’s DSTG, has unveiled plans to launch a sovereign Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite by early 2028. The project marks a major milestone for Australia’s ambitions in secure space-based connectivity and domain awareness.

The spacecraft, to be built in Adelaide by Inovor and operated from Optus’ Belrose facility in Sydney, will carry two advanced payloads: HEO’s high-resolution non-Earth imaging telescope for space object monitoring, and a hybrid optical/RF communications terminal developed with the University of South Australia and SmartSat CRC.

Backed by the Australian government’s iLAuNCH Trailblazer initiative, the mission demonstrates growing momentum behind sovereign space capabilities. The project not only supports national defence and critical infrastructure protection but also enables high-speed satellite communications and advanced R&D. Optus is also exploring future multi-orbit opportunities as part of its long-term space roadmap.

SOURCE: https://www.optus.com.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/2025/07/optus-leo-satellite