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Writer's pictureMJ Akter

Spiral Blue Collaborates with iLAuNCH and Northrop Grumman on Hypersonic Missile Defence



Source: Spiral Blue


[21st August 2024, Sydney] Spiral Blue is excited to announce its partnership with

Northrop Grumman Australia under the iLAuNCH Trailblazer to advance hypersonic missile defence capabilities. This collaboration leverages space-based technologies to detect and track hypersonic missiles, addressing a critical national security need.

Hypersonic weapons, characterised by their high speed and manoeuvrability, pose significant detection challenges to traditional ground-based radar systems. By utilising space as a surveillance platform, this project aims to deliver unprecedented detection accuracy and response capability.


"We are proud to contribute our cutting-edge Space Edge Computing technology to this vital mission," said Taofiq Huq, CEO of Spiral Blue. "Our ability to update and reprogram our systems in real-time ensures that we remain at the forefront of hypersonic threat detection."


The mission integrates advanced infrared detection technology with AI and ML algorithms to model hypersonic missile trajectories and signatures accurately. University researchers will provide essential expertise to ensure the project’s success. 

"Through this partnership, we aim to significantly enhance our national defence capabilities," Huq added. "Our collaborative efforts with iLAuNCH and Northrop Grumman will pave the way for a secure and resilient future."

About iLAuNCH

The Australian Government Trailblazer Universities Program provides dedicated investment to accelerate Australia’s innovation agenda at speed and at scale. 

The Innovative Launch, Automation, Novel Materials, Communications and Hypersonics (iLAuNCH) Trailblazer is a $180 million program building Australia’s enduring space capability through the commercialisation of projects, a fast-track accelerator, and skills development to build the workforce of the future.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day. 


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About Spiral Blue

Spiral Blue is a Sydney-based SME that provides flight proven products for computing and sensing in space The company has focused primarily to date on delivering artificial intelligence in space through its Space Edge Computing products. The success of the Space Edge One (SE-1) computer, operating flawlessly in orbit throughout 2023, has made the organisation the first Australian company in history to develop and operate AI hardware in space. In addition to six SE-1 computers in orbit, Spiral Blue has previously launched three Space Edge Zero prototypes.



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