Skykraft

Skykraft Pty Ltd is an Australian satellite company spun out of UNSW Canberra Space in 2017, dedicated to delivering Air Traffic Management (ATM) services from space. The company's constellation provides global coverage for air traffic surveillance and communications, with particular emphasis on remote oceanic and polar regions where terrestrial radar has no reach, helping aviation authorities meet the ICAO 5 NM separation standard worldwide.

Skykraft's satellites carry two primary payloads: an ADS-B receiver for position surveillance and a VHF communications transponder enabling voice and data links between air traffic controllers and pilots. The company launched its first four Block 2 operational satellites aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter-6 in January 2023, followed by four more on Transporter-8 in June 2023, accumulating eight in-orbit units toward a planned constellation of approximately 200 satellites for full global coverage.

Backed by investments exceeding AUD $120 million and supported by Australian Space Agency programmes, Skykraft is building sovereign smallsat design and manufacturing capability in Australia. Beyond ATM, the platform is adaptable to defence communications, IoT connectivity, maritime surveillance, and border protection — making it a dual-use asset for national security as well as civil aviation.