A collaboration between the Australian Space Agency and the Australian Department of Defence Space Command saw the 1 Space Surveillance Unit Commercial Data Mission Centre (1SSU CDMC) first land at Adelaide’s world-class innovation district, Lot Fourteen, in 2023.

As a component of Australia’s first defence Joint Space Unit, 1SSU CDMC brings together members of the Royal Australian Air Force, Australian Army and Royal Australian Navy, into an integrated team.

In line with 1SSU CDMC’s growing capabilities, the unit has now expanded its footprint at Lot Fourteen.

Matt Opie, Chief Executive of the South Australian Space Industry Centre reinforced the value of 1SSU CDMC’s residency in South Australia.

“As well as being a domain in its own right, space is a key enabler for Defence operations. The Australian Defence Force’s Space Command is key contributor in unlocking this potential,” Mr Opie said.

“1SSU CDMC is well-positioned to leverage data from commercial providers to deliver timely Space Domain Awareness (SDA) for the Integrated Force. This growth at Lot Fourteen showcases how co-location can improve collaboration between Defence and the commercial space industry and is testament to South Australia’s strength as the Defence and Space State.”

Trooper Jacob Lenehan (Army), Corporal Adric Knapp (Air Force), and Able Seaman Qambar Said (Navy) at the new Space Command office in Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen innovation district.

The 1SSU CDMC’s operations are focused on using data from commercial space sensors to enhance the Australian Defence Force’s SDA capabilities. The unit manages Space Command’s operational commercial data requirements as well as contributing to the US-led Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) cell.

JCO combines global commercial SDA capabilities with military oversight. It offers real-time detection and characterisation of space events, with 1SSU utilising commercial, unclassified data to inform national and military agencies.

“The work we are doing at the 1SSU CDMC is critical to supporting Australian operations,” said Major Thomas Bittner, Officer-in-Charge at the 1SSU CDMC.

“Expanding our presence at Lot Fourteen cements the enormous opportunity we have to address defence and national security challenges.”

The unit joins a growing and dynamic community of world-leading organisations in the global and local technology, space, defence and research industries to establish a presence at Lot Fourteen.

“We are thrilled to see 1SSU CDMC’s growth at Lot Fourteen and welcome their expansion within our innovation district. Not only does it help to expand our defence ecosystem, but it also provides opportunity for collaboration with South Australia’s growing space industry,” said Di Dixon, Lot Fourteen State Project Lead.

Learn more about Defence Space Command