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AICRAFT and Flinders University Partner to Advance Space Electronics
AICRAFT & Flinders Uni launch a space radar program to enable real-time satellite data processing on a fraction of the traditional footprint.
FACCI members AICRAFT and Flinders University have partnered to develop a new space radar program. Supported by the Manufacturing Growth Accelerator (MGA) Program, the collaboration combines South Australian deep-tech industry expertise with academic research to design radar electronics for space applications. Operating out of the Factory of the Future within the Tonsley Innovation District, the project aims to enable real-time satellite data processing using a fraction of the traditional hardware footprint.
Sovereign Space Capabilities
The project focuses on developing advanced front-end electronics for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems. At its core is a low-power analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) engineered to interface with AICRAFT’s proprietary Pulsar Pro edge computing platform.
This technology allows AICRAFT to extend edge computing capabilities, enabling full-accuracy data acquisition alongside real-time onboard data processing directly on satellites.
Dr Tony Scoleri, CEO of AICRAFT, says:
“Our journey with Flinders University – from residency at the Flinders New Venture Institute to employing Flinders graduates and now launching this research program – reflects a partnership that continues to grow in strength. Now we are developing a disruptive capability that meets the increasing demand for real-time information, with a solution compact enough to operate on 100 Kg-class satellites instead of multi-tonne platforms.”
Industrial Collaboration at the Factory of the Future
For Flinders University, this partnership highlights the practical impact of the Factory of the Future initiative in bridging academic research with commercial manufacturing needs.
Flinders University Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Raymond Chan, notes that the collaboration serves as an example of industry-academic synergy:
“Flinders Factory of the Future partners with industry to bring together the right expertise, technologies, and world-class researchers – across Australia and globally – to tackle problems and develop solutions. The partnership with AICRAFT, combined with the support of the South Australian Government through the Manufacturing Growth Accelerator, is an outstanding example of what’s being achieved. Advances which not only position our state and nation for the future but deliver solutions for our community – and opportunity for our students.”
The sentiment is supported by South Australian Minister for State Development, Hon Chris Picton MP, who emphasizes that supporting local businesses to explore high-growth sectors like space and defence is critical for the state’s manufacturing future.
Real-World Impact and Commercial Pathways
By scaling down the energy and processing footprint typically required by space-bound radar payloads, this new system reduces the weight and entry cost for advanced Earth observation. The technology will integrate with a lightweight SAR antenna developed by partner Guerin Technologies, opening a commercial pathway for compact radar payloads across smaller satellites, airborne platforms, and autonomous systems.
The applications for high-accuracy, real-time SAR data span several critical areas:
Disaster Management: flood monitoring and emergency response tracking.
Environmental Observation: agricultural surveying and climate tracking.
Maritime Security: vessel tracking and heightened ocean awareness.
Infrastructure Safety: surface deformation and structural monitoring.
Geospatial Mapping: terrain and ice mapping across variable weather conditions.
As both organisations work toward strengthening Australia’s sovereign space electronics ecosystem, a scheduled space technology demonstration is planned for Q2 2027.
Source: LinkedIn
