An Adelaide artificial intelligence company is developing new space radar technology aimed at improving the speed of emergency monitoring and environmental analysis, backed by support from the South Australian Government’s Manufacturing Growth Accelerator program.
AICRAFT, which specialises in low-power edge computing systems, is designing advanced electronics technology capable of processing extremely large volumes of data aboard small satellites weighing around 100 kilograms.
The company says the system combines an energy-efficient signal converter with its Pulsar Pro onboard computer, allowing data to be processed directly in space rather than relying heavily on ground infrastructure. The approach is intended to reduce the time needed to generate usable information from hours or days to just minutes.
Potential uses for the technology include flood mapping, iceberg detection, vessel tracking, agricultural monitoring, infrastructure damage assessments and observing changes to land surfaces.
The project comes as Australia continues to expand its domestic space and advanced manufacturing sectors, with governments and universities increasingly backing local research partnerships tied to defence, satellite systems and environmental monitoring.
The Manufacturing Growth Accelerator program, funded by the South Australian Government and delivered through Flinders University’s Factory of the Future, aims to help small and medium manufacturers adopt new technologies and improve competitiveness.
According to the state government, more than 260 South Australian businesses have received support through the program so far. Eighteen accelerator projects have been backed with more than $1.2 million in applied research funding, while hundreds of businesses have participated in technology demonstrations and advisory programs.
State Development Minister Chris Picton said supporting companies operating in industries such as space and defence remained important for South Australia’s manufacturing sector.
“It’s exciting to see local companies like AICRAFT driving innovation in South Australia,” he said.
Member for Elder Nadia Clancy said the program aimed to help smaller businesses access research expertise and advanced manufacturing technologies that could improve their opportunities in international markets and supply chains.
AICRAFT chief executive Dr Tony Scoleri said the project reflects the company’s ongoing partnership with Flinders University, which has included support through the university’s New Venture Institute and employment pathways for graduates.
He said the company is working on technology designed to meet rising demand for real-time information while operating on much smaller satellites than traditional systems.
Flinders University Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Ray Chan said the Factory of the Future program focuses on connecting industry with researchers and technical expertise to help solve operational and manufacturing challenges.
While Australia’s space sector remains small compared with larger international markets, investment in satellite technology and data processing systems has increased in recent years, particularly in areas linked to defence, environmental monitoring and communications.
AICRAFT says its systems are designed to support faster decision-making directly at the source of data collection, while reducing communication delays and bandwidth demands between satellites and ground networks.
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