EX-Fusion Inc. (CEO: Dr Kazuki Matsuo, hereinafter referred to as “EX-Fusion”) and EOS Space Systems Pty Limited (EVP: Dr James Bennett, hereinafter “EOS Space Systems”) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on October 8 to explore cooperation on the issue of space debris.
1. Background
EOS Space Systems is a trusted and proven leader in delivering unique optical surveillance capabilities for space domain awareness, space intelligence, and space control. EOS provides solution-driven products and services in the defence, government, and commercial sectors. EOS Space Systems specialises in cutting-edge high energy laser capabilities for space object tracking, characterisation, identification, optical communications, and remote manoeuvre. EX-Fusion also possesses expertise in high-power lasers, as it aims to build and power the world’s first laser fusion reactor.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of space debris around the Earth that threatens to cause catastrophic collisions with valuable space assets that are essential to modern life on Earth, such as telecommunications, finance, positioning, and navigation (this is referred to as the “space debris problem”). One strategy to mitigate the space debris problem is to use optical ground stations equipped with high-power laser systems to remove space debris or alter its orbit to prevent these catastrophic collisions.
EOS Space Systems’ existing technologies include operational systems for optical tracking and laser ranging of space debris orbiting the Earth, and experience in previous programs working to manoeuvre space debris using ground-based lasers. EOS Space Systems and EX-Fusion will work together to investigate next-generation space debris tracking and clearing technologies by evaluating the usage of Ex-Fusion’s high-power laser technologies for space debris tracking and clearing.
2. Objectives
EOS Space Systems and EX-Fusion aim to strengthen their collaboration through this agreement. Specifically, they will explore the usage of high-power laser technologies developed for laser fusion purposes to help address the space debris problem.
3. Details
Description: EOS Space and EX-Fusion will explore possibilities for cooperation on space debris issues by integrating EX-Fusion’ high-power laser technology into one of EOS’ existing optical ground stations and evaluate it for tracking and removal of space debris.
Duration: 12 months after the date of the last signature, unless finished earlier.
4. Future Plans
EX-Fusion`s strategy in Australia is to expand our business with a particular focus on the diverse applications of laser technology. The laser control devices being developed by EX-Fusion will play a central role in technologies such as laser communication in the space sector and the tracking and removal of space debris. We are also looking into further applications of laser technology itself and are convinced that these fields have great market potential. By steadily pursuing projects based on this agreement, EX-Fusion will continue to work with Australia to pave the way for new developments.
About EOS Space：
EOS is an Australian aerospace company which was founded in 1983 and became a publicly listed company on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) in 2004. EOS develops and produces Australian products incorporating advanced electro-optic technologies for the aerospace market. EOS Space Systems is headquartered in Canberra (Australia), is a trusted and proven leader in delivering unique optical surveillance capabilities for space domain awareness, space intelligence, and space control. EOS provides solution-driven products and services in the defence, government, and commercial sectors. EOS Space Systems specialises in cutting-edge high energy laser capabilities for space object tracking, characterisation, identification, optical communications, and remote manoeuvre technologies.