Space enterprise case study

Introduction

Aimpoint was engaged by the Department of Defence’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) to support the development of a Space Transition Management role and establish a transition framework for the Space Enterprise. Over three years, Aimpoint’s expertise was pivotal in developing transition plans, enhancing operational frameworks, and facilitating knowledge transfer to Defence personnel.

Phase 1: Stakeholder engagement and transition plan redesign
Upon commencing this project, Aimpoint took a diligent approach to engage all stakeholders involved in Space Enterprise projects, including Australian and U.S. Space Commands and industry partners such as Raytheon Australia. Recognising the need for a structured approach, Aimpoint:
  • Transition plan redesign: Rewrote the Transition Plan for the joint U.S.-Australia Space Surveillance Telescope (SST), a critical capability that tracks objects and threats in space, including space debris. The SST plays a key role in space traffic management, threat identification, and near-Earth asteroid tracking.
  • Unblocking transition bottlenecks: The SST’s transition from acquisition to sustainment had stalled due to issues with artefact acceptance and negotiation. Aimpoint’s revised plan provided clarity, breaking the process into agile, manageable stages. This approach allowed the teams to execute focused sprints for each transition milestone.

Through this structured and phased approach, Aimpoint successfully facilitated SST’s Initial Operating Capability (IOC) on 30 September 2022, with further transition milestones completed subsequently.

Phase 2: Developing the space enterprise transition framework
Following the SST project’s success, Aimpoint was tasked with creating a comprehensive Space Enterprise Transition Framework to streamline future projects:
  • Framework and ASDEFCON alignment: Aimpoint developed the Space Enterprise Transition Framework, including ASDEFCON Data Item Descriptions (DIDs) and templates for plans and artefact registers necessary for transitioning space capabilities from acquisition to sustainment.
  • Standardising transition artifacts: This framework provided Defence with a standardised, repeatable approach, enabling future space projects to adhere to transition requirements with greater efficiency and clarity.
This framework now serves as a foundational tool for CASG, embedding consistent, clear processes within Defence’s space transition projects.
Phase 3: Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) engagement
Aimpoint’s next role involved supporting CASG in establishing a framework for the trilateral Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC), designed to provide all-weather, 24/7 tracking and identification of objects in deep space:
  • MOU and framework negotiation: Aimpoint led negotiations with the U.S. to ensure Australia’s unique sustainment needs were addressed. Once the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was formalised, Aimpoint helped establish a structured implementation framework, reinforcing Australia’s operational independence and capability in space.
  • MOU and framework negotiation: Aimpoint led input around sustainment of the telescope during the negotiations with the U.S.
Aimpoint’s role ensured that the MOU and subsequent framework would support a seamless transition for DARC, aligned with Australia’s strategic interests.
Phase 4: Knowledge transfer and workforce upskilling
Leveraging its Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Group Training Organisation (GTO) expertise, Aimpoint implemented a knowledge transfer initiative to support Defence in upskilling the Australian Public Service (APS) and ADF workforce:
  • Mentorship and training: Aimpoint provided on-the-job mentorship, using its traineeship frameworks adjusted to specific informal needs to deliver practical training that empowered Defence personnel.
  • Sustainable handover: This approach enabled Aimpoint to successfully transfer project knowledge and skills, allowing CASG’s APS and ADF workforce to assume full responsibility for the Space Transition Management role.
Outcomes and long-term impact
Through this engagement, Aimpoint contributed to establishing resilient frameworks for Defence space projects, reinforcing Australia’s capabilities in space transition management. The Space Enterprise Transition Framework now underpins future Defence contracts, ensuring a robust, consistent approach to managing Australia’s space capabilities. Aimpoint’s mentorship initiative further supports Defence’s independence, equipping the APS and ADF teams with essential skills to manage complex space projects autonomously.