Dassault Systèmes, MEMKO, and the University of Southern Queensland’s (UniSQ) iLAuNCH Trailblazer program are working together to catalyse the development of Australia’s sovereign space manufacturing capabilities.
The collaboration will see Dassault Systèmes and MEMKO provide virtual twin workflows for composite components in Australia’s plan to embark on the manufacturing, and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft.
The partnership with the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program is crucial to the nation’s ambitious program to achieve the full spectrum of space industry capabilities.
Game changers in manufacturing, R&D and virtual twin technologies will help Australia develop advanced capabilities in the manufacture and maintenance of large satellites, and in the design and specification of launch vehicles.
UniSQ’s iLAuNCH Trailblazer four-year program is intended to help universities accelerate commercialisation of research with industry partners across seven priority areas.
The program is expected to elevate the technology readiness level (TRL) of vital late-stage research projects for commercial-ready applications and pathways to market, with the support of Dassault Systèmes.
As the program comprises the Australian National University and the University of South Australia alongside more than 20 industry partners, it will also address the skills shortage in the space manufacturing sector by co-designing a comprehensive education and training program with MEMKO.
Deploying solutions that support the digitalisation of aerospace design, manufacturing, servicing, repair and maintenance, Dassault Systèmes can make the entire processes highly efficient.
By simulating the manufacturing and repair of complex composite components in the digital environment, Dassault Systèmes’ solutions ensure that crucial operations in the aerospace value chain are shortened, and made more efficient and productive. The solutions ensure seamless collaboration between all the stakeholders in the venture.
Additionally, Dassault Systèmes and MEMKO will provide valuable inputs to ensure that the universities can meet their objectives effortlessly in developing low-cost automation techniques and mechanisms for the preparation of composite repair patches, and enhancing research and experimental capabilities as well as industry skill development.
The solutions will help accelerate the speed to market of the key research outputs – an important goal of the iLAuNCH program. The program aims to generate A$3.65 billion in economic benefits associated with the core projects and Australian IP and lead to the development of a space engineering degree.
Josephine Ong, Dassault Systèmes managing director in Asia Pacific South, said they are bringing their experience in driving digitalisation and innovation in the aerospace and defence industry to Australia as the domestic market seeks advanced sovereign capabilities and enhanced national stakeholder skill development.
“We have forged strategic partnerships with Australia’s leading universities for workforce development and upskilling programs to address critical skills shortages within growing industry domains,” said Ravi Jain, general manager of MEMKO Systems.
Tristan Shelley, project lead of Digital Twin of Composites Manufacturing & Repair at iLAuNCH, said they specifically plan to incorporate the use of digital twins for filament winding and other manufacturing technologies.
