Australian start-up Optera Solutions selected for Thales Alenia Space Accelerator

Australian start-up Optera Solutions has joined the Thales Alenia Space Accelerator Program in Toulouse, France.

The Space Business Catalyst (SBC) partners with leading start-ups to drive innovation and shape a sustainable space ecosystem. Optera's six-month residency, beginning in September 2024, focuses on advancing neuromorphic Event-Based Sensing (EBS) technology for the space industry.

Optera, a spin-out from Western Sydney University, specializes in neuromorphic sensing inspired by biological systems. Event Based Sensors activate pixel arrays only when changes in light occur.

Through SBC, Optera and Thales Alenia Space will address Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) constraints in satellite design. They aim to demonstrate the efficiency of EBS for optical and infrared sensors in space applications alongside conventional sensors developed by Thales Alenia Space.

Jonathon Wolfe, Optera founder and CEO, said “The opportunity to work within the Thales Space Business Catalyst and have access to the insights and their technical expertise to rapidly iterate and solve the markets toughest challenges is second to none. Getting close to the customer and having the support of the Thales ecosystem to go to market on a global scale is what Optera is all about. It’s up to us to make this the most of this opportunity”.