Session 1.3b Update: Space 2.0: Rise of the Constellations
Tracks
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| Tuesday, November 14, 2023 |
| 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM |
| Bradman Theatre |
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Reductions in launch cost and performance improvements of electronic components have driven a revolution in the way space systems serve humanity. Constellations of Low Earth Orbit satellites are providing unheard-of capabilities and value for money. This revolution will catch many off-guard, as while Geostationary satellites have steadily improved in performance over the past 60 years they are being rapidly outpaced by LEO constellations for services such as communication. We are living through a pivotal moment in the history of space.
The asymmetry in performance between older geostationary satellites and newer Low Earth Orbit constellations will continue to grow over time as we learn more about how to build and operate even more effective constellations. This will leave many large, inflexible organisations wrong-footed.
In this update we review existing constellations, such as Starlink and One Web as well as plans and opportunities for next generation services.
Speaker/s
Dr Craig Benson
Chief Innovation Officer
Skykraft
Craig is a co-founder and executive director of Skykraft, an Australian company that designs and builds small-satellite constellations. As the Chief Innovation Officer he is responsible for blending solutions to real-world problems with cutting edge space technology. Craig has a PhD in Electrical Engineering and has taught courses at UNSW Canberra (Australian Defence Force Academy) for 24 years, spanning GPS, Electronic Warfare, Avionics, Surveillance Technology and Guided Weapons. He began his career as an engineering officer in the Royal Australian Air Force, transferring to the reserve in early 2001. Doug Griffin is an executive Director and Chief Engineer of Skykraft.
Dr Doug Griffin
Chief Engineer
Skykraft
Doug Griffin is an executive Director and Chief Engineer of Skykraft. Doug started his career in the European Space Industry before returning to Australia 5 years ago as Chief Engineer at UNSW Canberra Space, and now spin-out Skykraft. An Australian mechanical engineer by training, over a 20-year period in Europe, Doug worked for an aerospace prime (Alenia Aerospazio now Thales Alenia Space), the University of Oxford and in National Research Laboratories in Italy and the UK (ENEA & the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory – RAL Space). He led the Space Systems Engineering group at RAL Space and developed spacecraft payloads for European Space Agency and NASA Earth Observation and Space Science missions.
