Throughout the mission, Nova Systems delivered continuous, reliable UHF satellite communications from the Nova Systems Space Precinct in South Australia, ensuring mission critical links between SpIRIT and ground operations.
Nova Systems CEO Dean Rosenfield said the mission showcased the capability and competitiveness of Australia's growing space sector.
“Nova was proud to play our part in the project, delivering successful on ground communications throughout the mission directly from the Nova Systems Space Precinct in South Australia,” Mr Rosenfield said.
“SpIRIT demonstrates the depth of expertise within Australia’s space industry and the strength of our international collaboration.”
To support SpIRIT, Nova Systems developed the Nova Autonomous Intelligent Ground Station, integrating the UHF SATCOM terminal at the Peterborough Space Precinct with an autonomous, AWS based ground segment scheduling and analysis system. This system optimised and prioritised satellite passes, enabling highly efficient mission operations.
The UHF SATCOM terminal, designed, built, integrated and tested over two years, also served as a valuable training opportunity for Nova Systems graduates, who gained hands on experience in radio frequency engineering, systems engineering and software development.
SpIRIT (Space Industry – Responsive – Intelligent – Thermal) was a joint Australia and Italy mission supported by the Australian Space Agency. It is the first Australian made spacecraft to host a foreign space agency’s scientific instrument as its primary payload, an important milestone for Australia's space capability and its growing partnership with the Italian Space Agency in astronomy and space science.