The announcement that Optus will lead a consortium to build, launch and operate a sovereign Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite by 2028 is an encouraging development. It comes at a time when Australia’s dependence on foreign-owned satellite infrastructure—most notably Starlink—raises serious strategic concerns. This risk has only grown in light of recent geopolitical developments, including Donald Trump’s interference in international defence cooperation, which underlines the fragility of relying on commercially driven, foreign-controlled systems for national connectivity. See also: Australia’s Mobile Future: Navigating the Political Risks of Relying on Emerging LEO Satellite Technology.
In that context, the new Optus-led initiative—partnering with Australian firms Inovor Technologies and HEO, and supported by the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and the iLAuNCH Trailblazer Universities Program—represents a welcome step toward greater digital and space sovereignty.
Developing sovereign LEO capabilities is not just about prestige or industry growth. It is vital for protecting national interests, securing critical infrastructure, and asserting strategic autonomy in an increasingly contested and congested space environment. With defence, emergency services, and regional communities all increasingly reliant on space-based assets, this move could lay the groundwork for a more resilient and independent digital future.
But while the vision is sound, execution will be key.
Too often in Australia we see major infrastructure projects launched with bold headlines, only to lose momentum due to political short-termism, commercial self-interest, or lack of regulatory foresight. We cannot afford to make the same mistakes here.
True sovereignty in space is not achieved through local assembly or even domestic launch capacity alone. It also requires:
- Full Australian control over data and communications, particularly those with defence, intelligence, or critical service applications
- Cybersecurity built into the architecture — from satellite hardware and ground stations to data links and user interfaces
- Clear governance frameworks ensuring that public interest, not just shareholder value, guides deployment and operation
- Interoperability standards that prevent vendor lock-in and allow integration with other sovereign and allied systems
- Transparency and accountability about who benefits and how the project serves long-term national objectives
This initiative must avoid becoming another political or commercial football. While commercial partners like Optus bring vital expertise and capacity, their objectives may not always align with broader national priorities. Striking the right balance between enabling innovation and securing the public good will be essential.
Australia’s vast geography and sparse population demand creative solutions to ensure equitable access to high-quality digital services. If done right, sovereign LEO infrastructure can help bridge the digital divide and support applications from disaster response to agriculture, from remote education to secure defence communications.
But if we fail to set the right parameters now, we risk repeating past mistakes—investing in impressive technology without delivering the structural and social outcomes that justify it.
This satellite project is a test case. It must show that Australia can do more than simply participate in the global space economy—it can shape it, on its own terms, and in service of the national interest.
Paul Budde