Fleet Space Technologies

Fleet Space Technologies, based in Adelaide, Australia, is a developer and operator of a constellation of microsatellites and satellite-enabled solutions for mineral exploration, space exploration, and defense.

Its key offerings and activities include its (1) low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, (2) ExoSphere for mineral discovery, and (3) lunar and Martian exploration such as through its SPIDER project.

Fleet Space Technologies operates an LEO satellite constellation to offer advanced connectivity and data services. Its satellite constellation includes the Proxima and Centauri series, with the first satellites launched in 2018 and the latest satellites, Centauri 5 and 6 launched in 2022.

Notably, the Centauri-4 satellite is the world's smallest satellite capable of delivering voice communications; the satellite weighs 10 kilograms and is comparable in size to a shoebox.

Centauri-6 features multiple upgrades to enhance the resilience, durability, and capacity of Fleet Space's LEO satellite constellation, supporting its ExoSphere mineral exploration technology. It offers greater uplink capacity and redundancy for more robust data transfer from seismic sensors. The satellite includes an ion electric propulsion system powered by solar panels and incorporates 3D-printed components, such as a metal patch antenna.

Furthermore, ExoSphere is the company’s mineral exploration solution, which integrates satellite connectivity, AI-powered insights, and 3D subsurface models up to 2.5km deep, using Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) for near-zero environmental impact mineral discovery​. The technology combines seismic sensors, edge computing, satellite connectivity, and AI to create detailed seismic velocity models. It enhances geological survey planning, fast deployment, real-time data acquisition, and model interpretation, supporting the exploration of minerals like copper, lithium, gold, and nickel with minimal environmental impact.

Furthermore, Fleet Space Technologies' space exploration initiatives focus on developing advanced technology for lunar and Martian exploration. Its key project, SPIDER, is a seismic payload designed to analyze the Moon's subsurface to detect water ice and understand geological properties and is part of the Australian Space Agency’s Moon to Mars initiative. SPIDER will be deployed on the lunar surface by Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander in 2026 as part of NASA’s Artemis program. 

Key customers and partnerships

Fleet’s key customers include the Australian Defence Space Command, which included a AUD 6.4 million contract to develop and demonstrate the ASCEND2LEO program using its Centauri satellites for tactical communications and data transmission, in collaboration with DSTG, University of South Australia, Rice Satcom, and SmartSatCRC. Customers of its ExoSphere product include Power Nickel, Iso Energy, Barrick, Coda Minerals, and Core Lithium.

Notable partnerships include its collaboration with SpaceX for launching its satellites on Spacex’s rideshare missions, including the most recent launch of its Centauri-6 Satellite on SpaceX’s Bandwagon-1 Mission in April 2024.