Space Machines Company Awarded Two Contracts Under UK Space Agency International Bilateral Fund

Space Machines Company Awarded Two Contracts Under UK Space Agency International Bilateral Fund

Space Machines Company (SMC) has been awarded funding for two international collaborative projects under the UK Space Agency's International Bilateral Fund (IBF), as part of the renewed UK-Australia Space Bridge Framework Arrangement.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - 30 September, 2025 — Space Machines Company (SMC) has been awarded funding for two international collaborative projects under the UK Space Agency's International Bilateral Fund (IBF), as part of the renewed UK-Australia Space Bridge Framework Arrangement.

The two projects advance space sustainability and orbital operations capabilities across the GEO environment and in-orbit propulsion engineering.

ARGUS: Autonomous Rendezvous for GEO Utility & Surveillance

SMC will partner with UK company Lúnasa Space to develop a geostationary spacecraft capable of autonomous navigation for the precise inspection of geostationary objects. By integrating Lúnasa's StarLogic payload, the ARGUS project will deliver enhanced situational awareness and rendezvous operations in the critical GEO environment.

SLOSH-CAT: Slosh Control Algorithm Testing

In collaboration with Satellite Applications Catapult and the University of Sydney, SLOSH-CAT addresses a fundamental engineering challenge in spacecraft operations: understanding and mitigating propellant slosh effects during on-orbit manoeuvres and attitude changes. The insights generated will improve spacecraft control systems and mission reliability across the sector.

Both projects reflect SMC's commitment to safeguarding space assets and advancing the technologies necessary for sustainable orbital operations, while deepening research and industrial ties between Australia and the United Kingdom.

For further information, visit: www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-space-agency-goes-global-with-23-new-projects

ENDS

Media enquiries:

Sharmila Fernando

Head Of Marketing

Space Machines Company

sharmila@spacemachines.com

+61 477 096 742

About Space Machines Company

Space Machines Company (SMC) delivers space superiority and security through rapidly deployable, low-cost orbital response systems that protect the critical infrastructure democratic nations depend on. Founded in Australia with operations across the US, UK, and India, we are a trusted strategic partner across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Our integrated system spans the full response spectrum, from detection and threat analysis through to coordinated on-orbit action, powered by the Optimus Viper spacecraft and AI-driven Solstice OS platform.