Australia’s decision to cancel its multi-billion dollar Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite program marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to defence communications, driven by concerns over rapidly evolving technologies that pose threats to traditional satellite systems. Defence Minister Richard Marles announced that the original plan, developed eight years ago in partnership with Lockheed Martin, was no longer viable due to advancements in anti-satellite weapons and the evolving landscape of space technology. The ambitious project was designed to provide Australia with sovereign-controlled communications over the Indo-Pacific region, a critical area for the country’s strategic interests. However, the government decided that the planned geosynchronous satellites, which were to be stationed above Australia in fixed orbits, were increasingly vulnerable to emerging threats in space warfare.
Marles pointed out that, in recent years, new technologies have emerged that could “shoot satellites out of the sky,” making large, stationary satellite systems much riskier. These threats are amplified by the development of powerful anti-satellite missiles and other technologies designed to target and disable spacecraft in orbit. As a result, the government reevaluated the concept of relying on a few large satellites to support defence communications, concluding that the system designed almost a decade ago had become outdated. Instead of maintaining a small number of large satellites, which are highly susceptible to being disabled, Australia is now turning to a more innovative and resilient approach: the use of a mesh of micro satellites.
Micro satellites, also known as smallsats, are much smaller and lighter than traditional satellites and operate in low Earth orbit (LEO). Unlike GEO satellites, which are positioned about 35,786 kilometers above Earth and are stationary relative to the planet’s surface, micro satellites can be deployed in constellations and move freely around the globe. These satellites are not only less expensive to build and launch, but their distributed nature means they are far more difficult to target as a whole. A large-scale attack on a network of small satellites would require significantly more effort and resources than taking down a single GEO satellite.
Marles drew a direct comparison to the use of Starlink, a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Starlink’s network of micro satellites has played a crucial role in maintaining communications for Ukrainian forces, providing an example of how such a distributed satellite system can function effectively in a conflict zone. Marles cited this as a key reason why Australia should prioritize developing a similar approach for its own defence communication needs, highlighting how the resilient nature of low Earth orbit satellites could provide the country with a more secure and adaptable infrastructure.
In addition to the resilience benefits, micro satellites offer Australia the opportunity to significantly reduce costs compared to the original GEO project. Building, launching, and maintaining small satellites is far less expensive than the infrastructure required for larger geostationary satellites. This shift also aligns with global trends, where countries and private companies are increasingly investing in LEO satellite constellations for various purposes, including military, scientific, and commercial applications.
Defence personnel minister Matt Keogh also addressed the change in strategy, stating that Australia aims to establish a “mesh-type arrangement” of satellites. This configuration would not only improve resilience but also allow for more flexible and adaptive communications, ensuring that if one satellite were to be compromised, others could continue to provide service without disruption. The strategic move to a mesh network also reflects the increasing importance of space-based communications in modern defence operations, as nations recognize the vital role that satellite technology plays in maintaining national security.
This shift to a distributed network of micro satellites is part of a broader trend toward more agile and decentralized defence systems. By embracing new technologies and moving away from outdated, vulnerable systems, Australia is positioning itself to maintain a competitive edge in the space and defence sectors. The decision also underscores the growing recognition of the threats posed by space-based warfare, including the potential for hostile nations or non-state actors to disable critical satellite infrastructure. In this context, Australia’s move toward a more dispersed, flexible satellite communication system reflects a proactive strategy to mitigate these risks and ensure the continuity of its defence capabilities in an increasingly complex and contested global security environment.
As this new satellite network begins to take shape, it is likely that other nations will follow Australia’s lead, adopting similar technologies to enhance their own space-based defence communications. This move also positions Australia as a potential leader in the development of resilient satellite technologies, which could have broader applications beyond defence, including telecommunications, disaster response, and global connectivity. Ultimately, the Australian government’s decision to invest in a mesh of micro satellites signals a forward-thinking approach to national security, one that leverages the latest advancements in space technology to safeguard the country’s strategic interests in a rapidly changing world.