Fleet Space Technologies, a pioneering force in the realm of space exploration, has bagged an A$4M contract from the Australian Space Agency. As the leading Australian space company, Fleet Space Technologies is making significant strides in its mission to connect Earth, Moon, and Mars.
Australian Space Agency’s A $4M Demonstrator Program Contract
The Demonstrator Program contract is part of the ambitious Moon to Mars initiative. In the words of Matthew Pearson, Chief Exploration Officer and Co-Founder of Fleet Space Technologies:
“Fleet’s mission is to connect the Earth, Moon, and Mars. First, we accomplished a groundbreaking feat by introducing ExoSphere, which revolutionised the exploration of crucial minerals on our home planet through the utilisation of geophysical devices connected to satellites, enabling rapid mapping of the subsurface. With this significant contract, we are poised to be the first Australian technology to touch down on the surface of the Moon, supporting humanity’s efforts towards colonisation and aligning with NASA’s Artemis program, with a future vision of Martian exploration supporting the hunt for life beyond our planet.”
Fleet Space Technologies Ventures into Celestial Realm
Fleet Space Technologies is building upon their terrestrial success in deploying direct-to-satellite seismic arrays that locate critical minerals needed for the energy transition. The space firm is now venturing into the celestial realm, utilizing this technology for Lunar and Martian exploration.
Project SPIDER: Harnessing Seismic Data at Moon’s South Pole
The primary undertaking for Fleet Space under this contract is the project Seismic Payload for Interplanetary Discovery, Exploration and Research (SPIDER). The project aims to develop geophysical devices that will enable resource exploration for future human habitation.
SPIDER, a three-component seismic station, will be deployed on the Moon’s South Pole to record continuous seismic data for up to 14 days. This will be a significant step in lunar exploration, potentially revolutionising future lunar and Martian missions.
An Incredible Consortium of Partners Supporting the Seismic Station
Supporting this seismic station is an impressive consortium of partners from industry, government, and academia across Australia. Some of the esteemed partners include DUG Technology, Adelaide University, Titomic, the Department of Education SA, and researchers from the Australian National University and the University of Tasmania.
Fleet Space Technologies Vision and Future Missions
“The successful delivery of this project will demonstrate the ability to produce geophysical devices for future lunar and Martian geophysical exploration missions,” said Matthew Pearson. The Fleet team is currently deploying several direct-to-satellite seismic arrays, with plans to leverage this Earth capability into a device suitable for lunar and Martian environments.
Fleet’s Recent Achievements and Contracts
This contract follows Fleet Space’s successful Series C fundraising round in May 2023, which raised a total of A$50 million and more than doubled the company’s valuation to over A$350 million. Moreover, Fleet Space has recently secured a contract with Australia’s Defence Space Command to develop and demonstrate a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications system.
About Fleet Space Technologies
Founded in 2018, Fleet Space Technologies has launched Australia’s first 4 commercial nanosatellites with a mission to revolutionise the mineral exploration, defence, and space exploration sectors through its products and connectivity solutions. Their revolutionary product, EXOSPHERE BY FLEET, has disrupted the exploration industry by rapidly mapping critical minerals and has attracted clients around the world.
In conclusion, Fleet Space Technologies is continuing to trailblaze in the space industry, with their latest contract marking a new chapter in lunar and Martian exploration. With these developments, we inch closer to understanding the Moon and Mars, paving the way for possible future colonization. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this! Please share your comments below on how this might change the future of space exploration.
