Space Machines Company (SMC), a leading Australian space technology firm, has announced the establishment of a significant industrial-scale spacecraft manufacturing facility at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). This new hub marks a major advancement for Australia’s sovereign space capabilities, poised to bolster both defense and commercial space initiatives.

According to the Asia Pacific Defence Reporter, the facility will enable SMC to significantly ramp up the production of its advanced Orbital Servicing Vehicles (OSVs), including the rapid-response Optimus Viper spacecraft. The publication highlighted that this expansion is critical for meeting the growing demand for in-space services and enhancing space domain awareness for allied nations. The facility aims to support the rapid manufacturing of multiple spacecraft simultaneously.

Australian Manufacturing mentioned that the new manufacturing hub is designed for large-scale production, with the capacity to build five next-generation Viper spacecraft concurrently. The article further elaborated that SMC intends to scale its output to 20 Vipers annually, with the goal of producing multiple spacecraft in early 2026. This expansion reflects a strategic move to create a distributed space security architecture that is both cost-effective and scalable.

Capital Brief also reported on the new factory, emphasizing its importance for Australia’s defense requirements and the broader national security landscape. The publication indicated that the co-investment in this facility will provide a robust domestic capability for building and deploying critical space assets. The establishment of this manufacturing hub at UTS underscores a collaborative effort to integrate advanced research and development with industrial-scale production, thereby strengthening Australia’s position in the global space industry and ensuring the resilience of its space operations.