Australia could build its own satellite network with ReOrbit
A Finnish satellite maker wants to build communications satellites in Australia. This would be a sovereign alternative to Elon Musk's Starlink.
From next year, Australian mobile carriers must provide voice and text by satellite to remote areas. Telstra and Optus both signed with Starlink.
No other choice exists. ReOrbit, a Finnish satellite maker, wants to build satellites in Australia with local companies and the government.
Australia would need about 600 to 1,000 low-earth-orbit satellites to cover the continent, the firm says. ReOrbit would bring all the parts together and hand over the technology.
Sovereignty matters, ReOrbit's chief said. Governments now want to own their own satellites and ground stations.
They don't want others able to shut them down from afar. Australia tried this before.
It canceled a $6.9 billion military satellite system in 2024.
- 600 to 1,000
- Satellites needed for coverage
- Helsinki
- ReOrbit headquarters
- February
- Proposed visit month
- $6.9 billion
- Cancelled Australian satellite program
Why it mattersIf Australia builds its own satellites, it breaks free from Starlink. It keeps satellite control inside the country.
AustraliaAustralia could reduce reliance on American-owned Starlink, improve rural mobile coverage, and create local space manufacturing jobs.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
