Metakosmos, a Sydney-based startup specializing in the design and manufacturing of advanced space suits, has made a significant mark at the AusSpace24: Australian Space Summit & Exhibition. The company clinched the prestigious Engineering Business of the Year Award, as reported by Manufacturers’ Monthly.

CEO’s Insights on the Achievement

Metakosmos CEO, Kiriti Rambhatla, expressed his excitement about the recognition. “Being part of AusSpace24, the largest gathering in the space industry, has significantly boosted our credibility. Winning the ‘Engineering Business of the Year’ award validates our direction and the value we bring to the industry,” he said.

He added, “This award is a testament to our progress and boosts our confidence to scale up and continue our work. We’re eager to build on this momentum and aim for more success next year.”

Dual-Pronged Strategy for Innovation

Metakosmos employs a twofold strategy. Firstly, they optimize internal product design processes through digital optimization, promising future cost efficiencies. Secondly, their telemetry application, Kernel360, aims to extract intelligence from synthetic materials and integrate it into software systems, poised to disrupt conventional practices within the space industry.

Rambhatla explained, “Our system is designed to include an onboard computer acting as a black box to manage data transfer efficiently, even in conditions with unreliable internet connections like deep-sea operations.”

Revolutionizing Space Suit Manufacturing

Metakosmos is set to transform space exploration by drastically cutting the costs of spacesuit manufacturing and tailoring suits to fit various body shapes through digital optimization technology. Their innovative approach focuses on collaboration with universities to commercialize research technologies, thereby enhancing the capabilities of the space industry.

Partnering with the Australian Postgraduate Research Intern Network, Metakosmos taps into the expertise of Australian PhD students to develop advanced spacesuit components and technologies. The recent accolade at AusSpace24 underscores the company’s impact on the industry.

Expanding Collaborations and Future Prospects

Internationally, Metakosmos has teamed up with a Middle Eastern company specializing in environmental AI applications for industries like oil and gas. This partnership aims to integrate an API into Metakosmos’s system, enabling the extraction of intelligence from environments like nuclear plants during cleanup operations.

Additionally, Metakosmos has been selected as one of the 15 finalists for Tech Connect World in Washington DC, where they will pitch their suits for chemical, biological, and radioactive scenarios. This recognition opens doors to the US market, with discussions already underway in New Zealand.

“Two years ago, we participated in the Australia New Zealand Biobridge program, connecting with medical researchers from both nations. This led to collaborations with universities in New Zealand on biomarker projects that align with our product development goals,” said Rambhatla.

Metakosmos is also working with the 3D printing team at Victoria University of Wellington, known for their expertise in printing unique shapes. They aim to develop an entire exosuit, with initial design files tested on scale models and plans to scale up to a full-size exosuit entirely 3D printed.

Next Steps: Testing, Certification, and Future Events

The next critical phase for Metakosmos is rigorous testing and certification. “We’re committed to adhering to seven to ten stringent standards throughout this process,” emphasized Rambhatla. “Our internal engineering and testing tools system plays a crucial role in aligning our prototypes with these standards.”

Over the next six to twelve months, Metakosmos plans to conduct operational pilots. “We’ll design experiments, establish credentials, and metrics, tying them back to business outcomes,” Rambhatla explained.

Additionally, they plan to host a large-scale event showcasing the full suite of suits they plan to develop. “With base layer prototypes and software in place, we seek to demonstrate our capability to build entire systems. Ideally, this event would take place in the second half of this year,” he said.

Conclusion

Metakosmos’s recognition at AusSpace24 highlights their innovative approach and commitment to revolutionizing the space industry. With ongoing collaborations, international partnerships, and a focus on cutting-edge technology, Metakosmos is poised for significant growth and success in the coming years.