HEO, University of Sydney and Thales to research space object detection and tracking

Sydney startup HEO Robotics has signed an agreement with University of Sydney and Thales Australia to conduct research into developing technologies for autonomous vision-based space object detection and tracking. The project, funded by the SmartSat CRC, will investigate how sensors developed for Earth-based applications can be repurposed to support space domain awareness (SDA) activities.

Dr. Xiaofeng Wu from the school of aerospace, mechanical and mechatronics engineering, University of Sydney will act as the chief investigator for the project. Industry and domain expertise for the project will be provided by the two industry partners, HEO Robotics and Thales Australia. HEO Robotics, based in Sydney, Australia, is an innovative player in the on-orbit inspection domain, and already employs a network of space-based sensors to provide high-quality SDA data to both defence and commercial customers. Thales Group is a global leader in defence and space business where Thales Australia acts as a major supplier to Australia’s Defence Force.

“Signing this agreement fits with HEO Robotics’ leadership in space domain awareness from satellites and other space-based platforms. HEO Robotics is an ambitious Australian space startup that is already supplying customers with insights using our HEO Inspect product. We’re pleased to work with the likes of Thales Australia and the University of Sydney to supercharge our development and feed into the global supply chain of leading space companies,” according to Dr William Crowe, CEO of HEO Robotics.