ElaraSat MMS1 (original) (raw)

ElaraSat MMS1 [Gilmour Space Technologies]

ElaraSat MMS1 (Multi Mission Satellite-1), built by Gilmour Space Technologies of Australia, is a demonstration mission to validate the ElaraSat platform for future missions, and features CSIRO's earth observation payload.

ElaraSat is a 100-kg small satellite platform developed by Gilmour Space Technologies of Australia. Its first mission, MMS-1 (Multi Mission Satellite-1), will carry a hyperspectral imager payload provided by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

The MMS-1 mission will serve as a technology demonstration of the new ElaraSat platform and a research mission for Earth observation. The CSIRO hyperspectral imager aims to monitor water quality parameters such as sediment concentration, algal blooms, and organic content in coastal and inland waters. The mission will contribute to environmental monitoring and support the development of advanced Earth observation techniques in Australia. It also forms part of Australia�s broader initiative to strengthen sovereign capability in space technologies and operations.

ElaraSat has been developed by Gilmour Space Technologies, a Queensland-based aerospace company focused on satellite and launch vehicle development. The satellite bus, designated ElaraSat Block 1, is designed to provide a flexible and modular platform capable of supporting multiple types of payloads. It integrates systems for power generation, thermal control, communications, and attitude determination and control, optimized for low-Earth orbit operations. The platform is intended to support future commercial and research payloads, enhancing accessibility for international and domestic users.

The ElaraSat platform has a total mass of approximately 100 kg. It is designed for operation in low-Earth, sun-synchronous orbits at altitudes between 500 km and 600 km. The satellite features a standardized payload interface for hosted instruments and includes onboard data handling systems suitable for Earth observation sensors. The hyperspectral imager from CSIRO is optimized for visible and near-infrared wavelengths, providing fine spectral resolution for environmental and water monitoring applications.

ElaraSat MMS1 was launched on 23 June 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9 v1.2 (Block 5) launch vehicle as part of the Transporter-14 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.