Australian satellite “not lost in space” as Space Machines Company attempts contact

Australia’s largest-ever private satellite is not lost in space, its creators say, as they attempt to communicate with a vessel containing technology from eight local space-tech innovators.

Adelaide-based Space Machines Company successfully launched its unmanned Optimus satellite in California last month, powering it into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Weighing in at 270 kilograms, Optimus is billed as an orbital service vehicle, capable of servicing and refuelling other satellites to extend their operational life.

But the highly-anticipated mission appeared to veer off schedule last week when Space Machines Company suggested communications with the Optimus had dropped out.

“Our Mission Ops team has been working tirelessly to establish and maintain communications with the spacecraft,” the venture said on LinkedIn.