Australian startup Quasar Satellite Technologies has been selected as one of seven companies, and the sole international organisation, to participate in the 13th Catalyst Accelerator.
This program, powered by the US Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RV), aims to facilitate the involvement of nontraditional technology companies in the US national defence ecosystem, the company said in a media release.
The Catalyst Accelerator provides participants with access to key US government agencies, mentorship opportunities, and a platform for fast-tracking business development.
The current cohort, focused on Space Domain Awareness (SDA), aims to foster collaboration among selected participants to create lasting national impacts.
Notably, this cohort marks the first partnership with The Space Domain Awareness Tools, Applications, and Processing Lab (SDA TAP Lab).
Quasar’s selection is attributed to its groundbreaking phased array system, which exhibits exceptional potential in enhancing SDA capabilities.
The system boasts superior performance in detecting and characterising radio frequency (RF) signals from space, ensuring all-sky visibility without any blind spots.
Richard Singh, chief sales officer at Quasar, emphasised the company’s innovative edge, stating, “Our technology is unparalleled, featuring exclusive and patented intellectual property. It is the culmination of over 12 years of extensive research and development in wideband RF arrays.”
Maj Sean Allen, chief of the SDA TAP Lab, stated that the TAP Lab collaborates with Catalyst Campus to direct companies from the Catalyst Accelerator into the lab, facilitating the development of their business models and accelerating product advancement.
This, in turn, enhances companies’ ability to meet the needs of NSDC and Delta 2, increasing their likelihood of making sales.
“Last week, I had the privilege of reviewing pitches for the Catalyst Accelerator. It was amazing to see the expertise of these startups. I learned a lot and am confident our partnership will ultimately improve the quality of commercial space battle management software,” he noted.
Quasar’s participation in the Catalyst Accelerator follows the successful launch of its world-first SDA capabilities in December.
The company’s state-of-the-art multibeam phased array antenna offers simultaneous SDA and satellite communications (SATCOM) capabilities from a single aperture, presenting a revolutionary advancement in the field.
Quasar’s technology, offering ‘all-sky’ visibility, provides unique insights into RF signals from space, catering to both commercial and defence sectors.
Singh affirmed the company’s commitment to global partnerships, stating, “We have already engaged with key agencies in the US, Australia, and other markets to share our initial data sets and analysis.”
