What Skykraft does

Skykraft is an Australian space services company that designs, manufactures, and operates a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) smallsat constellation purpose-built for space-enabled Air Traffic Management (ATM). Spun out of UNSW Canberra Space in 2017 and headquartered in Canberra, the company has launched 15 spacecraft across three SpaceX rideshare missions and operates an in-house manufacturing facility producing satellites, an in-house thruster for orbit raising and station keeping, and a proprietary multi-satellite deployment system. Its core service delivers global ADS-B/UAT surveillance and VHF voice and data communications between pilots and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), with a multilateration capability providing GNSS-independent positioning during signal degradation or failure. The constellation targets an availability of greater than 99.9997 percent and supports 5 NM aircraft separation, and is the first and only system approved by the ITU (December 2023) to operate in the aviation VHF band from space.

The company's revenue model is anchored on subscription-style, multi-year enterprise service agreements with ANSPs worldwide, supplemented by a Constellation as a Service (CaaS) managed offering that allows third parties to host payloads on Skykraft's network under an 18-month deployment window. Customers are exclusively institutional — ANSPs, government research bodies, and now the broader PNT ecosystem — with sales cycles characterized as consultative, regulatory-driven, and long. A single named commercial ANSP partner (Niusky Pacific for Papua New Guinea, signed July 2024) is on the books ahead of full operational service expected in 2026.

Strategically, Skykraft is funded by a mix of private capital and government grants: an AUD $3.5M round in December 2021 (Adcock Private Equity, Lennoxgrove Capital), an AUD $63.4M round in October 2023 (Main Sequence Ventures, Foresight Australia, OPTrust Private Markets Group), and an AUD $2.4M Australian Space Agency ISI-India grant in April 2024. The company has an ITU spectrum filing accepted for a 2,976-satellite constellation, partnerships with Airservices Australia, RMIT, IISc, IIIT-Delhi, FrontierSI, the Universities of Newcastle and New South Wales, Curtin University, and an Australian SME supply chain. The company is led by CEO Dr. Michael Frater with co-founder Craig Benson.

Name

Skykraft

Legal name

Skykraft Pty Ltd

Website

https://skykraft.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Skykraft is an Australian space services company that designs, builds, and operates a Low Earth Orbit smallsat constellation providing space-enabled Air Traffic Management — global ADS-B surveillance and VHF voice/data communications — for Air Navigation Service Providers worldwide, with commercial service planned for 2026.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Space-Based Air Traffic Management Services

NAICS

Satellite Telecommunications (517410), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Satellite Network Operations & Capacity Services (NOC, Capacity Leasing, Managed Payload Services) (HDAIAJAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Satellite Ground Segment & Gateway Services (Teleports, Gateways, Ground Station-as-a-Service) (HDAIAJAH), Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR) (IMABACAD)

Keywords

• Satellite air traffic management
• Space-based ADS-B surveillance
• Smallsat constellation services
• VHF aviation communications
• Air navigation service infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

Australian Capital Territory

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Space-Enabled ATM Services to ANSPs: Skykraft provides air traffic surveillance and VHF communications services to Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) globally. Services are delivered via satellite constellation and are subscription/recurring in nature, with ANSPs paying for operational service access. The company targets the global ANSP market for remote and oceanic coverage where ground-based infrastructure is unavailable. Operational service is planned to commence in 2026.
2. Constellation as a Service (CaaS): A scalable offering allowing third parties to leverage Skykraft's satellite constellation and global network to host their own payloads and applications, without requiring infrastructure investment in space technology. Skykraft handles satellite deployment, maintenance, and operations. Marketed as 'Your constellation, our orbit' with rapid deployment in under 18 months and tailored solutions.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Skykraft designs, manufactures, and operates a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) smallsat constellation that delivers space-enabled Air Traffic Management (ATM) services to Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs). The offering provides global VHF voice and data communications between pilots and air traffic controllers, real-time ADS-B/UAT surveillance, multilateration, and Constellation as a Service (CaaS) for third parties to host payloads on Skykraft satellites.

Product overview

Skykraft offers a unified space-enabled Air Traffic Management platform centered on its satellite constellation providing global ATM services. The core offering consists of the ATM Service platform delivering Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) for ADS-B and UAT signal capture, SBS Voice for global VHF voice relay, and SBS Data for VHF data communications including CPDLC and ADS-C. Multilateration Services provide surveillance validation and GNSS backup positioning. The Constellation as a Service (CaaS) module extends the platform for customers seeking dedicated satellite infrastructure without operational complexity. The system targets Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) worldwide, especially for oceanic and remote region coverage.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Air Traffic Management (ATM) Service Space-enabled real-time global surveillance and VHF communications service for air traffic management, providing coverage over oceans and remote regions. Delivered to Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) with greater than 99.9997% availability, dual redundancy, and low latency.
• Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) Captures Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) and Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) signals from aircraft via satellites, validates positions, and relays to Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) for real-time air traffic situational awareness.
• SBS Voice Relays VHF voice communications between aircraft and ANSPs through satellites, providing global VHF voice communications including over remote and oceanic regions where ground-based VHF is unavailable.
• SBS Data Relays VHF data between aircraft and ground via satellites, supporting Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Contract (ADS-C).
• Multilateration Services

Quantifiable outcome

• 99.9997% service availability
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Niusky PacificcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 July 2024Skykraft and Niusky Pacific signed a collaboration agreement on 12 July 2024 to develop operational procedures for implementing a space-enabled Air Traffic Management system over Papua New Guinea's domestic and oceanic Flight Information Region. This is Skykraft's first commercial ANSP partnership and represents a core strategic relationship to demonstrate service viability in challenging oceanic and remote airspace environments.
• SpaceXcoreTechnology or IntegrationSpaceX provides launch services via its Rideshare program for Skykraft's satellite constellation. Multiple missions have been launched via SpaceX including the June 2022 validation satellite launch (9 satellites), the Skykraft-3 mission (June 2023, 5 satellites), and the Skykraft-4 mission (July 2025, 5 satellites) from Vandenberg Space Force Base. SpaceX is the exclusive launch provider referenced in the source material.
• Airservices AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSkykraft conducted a joint trial with Airservices Australia in 2023, demonstrating the feasibility of direct communication between air traffic controllers and aircraft using existing VHF radios via satellites. This trial leveraged Australia's unique remote location and Skykraft's VHF payload, marking the first demonstration of space-enabled VHF voice communications in the aviation band.
• RMIT UniversitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerRMIT University (Melbourne, Australia) is a participating partner in the ISI India Projects collaboration led by Skykraft, focused on developing next-generation collaborative PNT systems in LEO. RMIT contributes to the demonstration of large-scale LEO constellation feasibility and GNSS-independent positioning.
• Indian Institute of Science (IISc)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIISc (Bangalore, India) is a participating partner in the ISI India Projects collaboration led by Skykraft, contributing to next-generation collaborative PNT systems development and demonstrating LEO constellation capabilities for resilient positioning and timing.
• Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIIIT-Delhi (Delhi, India) is a participating partner in the ISI India Projects collaboration led by Skykraft, contributing to the development of next-generation collaborative PNT systems in LEO and providing access for Indian researchers and students to Australian-generated data and test waveforms.
• FrontierSIsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrontierSI (Melbourne, Australia) is a participating partner in the ISI India Projects collaboration led by Skykraft, supporting the demonstration of LEO-PNT system capabilities and GNSS-independent positioning solutions.
• University of NewcastlesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe University of Newcastle (Newcastle, Australia) is a participating partner in the ISI India Projects collaboration led by Skykraft, contributing to the development of collaborative PNT systems in LEO.
• University of New South Wales (UNSW)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNSW (Sydney, Australia) is a participating partner in the ISI India Projects collaboration led by Skykraft, supporting next-generation LEO-PNT systems development. UNSW has a historical connection to Skykraft, having spun off from UNSW Canberra Space in 2017.
• Curtin UniversitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurtin University (Perth, Western Australia) is a participating partner in the ISI India Projects collaboration led by Skykraft, contributing to LEO-PNT system development and demonstrating large-scale constellation capabilities.
• Puzzle PrecisionsupportingTechnology or IntegrationPuzzle Precision (Newcastle, NSW) is an Australian-owned SME providing specialist electronics manufacturing services. They assemble and solder PCBs that power Skykraft satellites, designed to withstand the vibration and shock of the space environment. Selected for their strong reputation in high-reliability electronics assembly and defence electronics experience.
• Ironbox EngineeringsupportingTechnology or IntegrationIronbox Engineering (Wodonga/Chiltern, Victoria) provides machining and fabrication of complex satellite parts for Skykraft, including chassis, attitude control components, and hold-down release mechanism parts. Uses state-of-the-art CNC mills and lathes, working closely with Skykraft's engineering team on prototype and production parts.
• Capital Precision Coating (CPC)supportingTechnology or IntegrationCapital Precision Coating (Queanbeyan, NSW) applies thermal finishes, specifically Cerakote thin film ceramic coating, to Skykraft's satellite chassis, lids, and orbital transfer vehicle. The coating tailors thermal properties and protects materials from the harsh space environment for up to 5 years of operational life.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Viasat: Major satellite communications provider (post-Inmarsat combination) with significant aviation connectivity and safety services exposure. Comparable as a broader incumbent offering aviation satellite communications and connectivity to airlines and ANSP-adjacent markets.
• Honeywell Aerospace: Tier-1 aerospace supplier of avionics, cockpit communications, and ATM-adjacent systems, including satellite-based CNS/ATM upgrades. Comparable as a broader incumbent in aviation communications and navigation with deep airline and ANSP relationships Skykraft will need to win over.
• Iridium Communications: Operator of the Iridium NEXT LEO satellite constellation providing global satellite communications including aviation safety services (via Aireon partnership). Iridium is relevant as a broader incumbent LEO operator with aviation safety-grade service and a deeply embedded ANSP ecosystem.
• Thales Alenia Space: Major European satellite manufacturer and space systems integrator with deep experience in navigation, communications, and Earth observation satellites. Relevant as a larger-scale spacecraft manufacturer and constellation integrator that could partner with — or compete against — Skykraft at the platform and payload level.
• Saab: Diversified aerospace and defense company with a substantial ATM and surveillance systems business (Saab Digital Air Traffic Solutions). Comparable as a broader incumbent selling into the same ANSP market for ground- and space-based surveillance and ATM.

Direct peers

• Aireon: Operates the only commercially deployed space-based ADS-B surveillance service via hosted payloads on the Iridium NEXT constellation, serving the same ANSP customer base for global aircraft tracking. Aireon is Skykraft's most direct competitor and the incumbent that Skykraft must differentiate against in space-based ATM.
• LeoStella: Small-satellite design and manufacturing joint venture between Thales Alenia Space and BlackSky. Relevant peer as a vertically integrated smallsat manufacturer and constellation operator producing LEO spacecraft for commercial and government missions similar to Skykraft's design-and-build approach.
• Spire Global: Operates a proprietary LEO smallsat constellation delivering global data, including ADS-B-based aircraft tracking and weather/atmospheric data. Spire is a comparable LEO smallsat operator pursuing aviation analytics and Constellation-as-a-Service offerings to enterprise and government customers.

Emerging players

• Indra Sistemas: Spanish IT and defense systems provider with a sizeable ATM business supplying ANSPs with ground-based surveillance, control, and management systems. Comparable as a current supplier to the same ANSP customer base Skykraft is targeting, with overlapping aviation domain expertise.
• Astrocast: Swiss operator of a LEO nanosatellite constellation for IoT and asset-tracking, with comparable smallsat operations and enterprise subscription revenue model. Comparable as a small, focused LEO operator selling recurring connectivity services into B2B verticals.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/skykraft-pty-ltd

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors6 records

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Skykraft