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NASA

Launching with Confidence: SES Powers Historic NASA Mission from Australian Soil

Thytec and SES deliver mission-critical power for NASA’s first commercial launch in Australia.

Custom 3-phase 415V to 208V isolation transformer delivered to Thytec

Enabled safe integration of NASA’s U.S.-spec support systems

Contributed to the success of NASA’s historic Arnhem Space Centre launch

The Customer

Thytec: Trusted Electrical Partner in Critical Infrastructure

Thytec is a specialist power and automation provider supporting high-profile, high-stakes electrical projects across Australia. Known for its technical precision and reliability, Thytec delivers tailored solutions for industries ranging from defence to aerospace.

In 2022, Thytec played a key role in facilitating NASA’s first-ever launch from a commercial spaceport outside the United States, located at Arnhem Space Centre in the Northern Territory. To ensure seamless integration of NASA’s U.S.-designed systems with Australian infrastructure, they turned to SES for a fast, custom transformer solution.

The Challenge

Bridging Voltage Standards Between Continents

NASA’s ground support equipment was configured for a 208V 3-phase (120V L-N) supply—standard in the U.S., but incompatible with Australia’s 415V grid.

With a historic launch just days away, Thytec needed a precision-built isolation transformer to step down voltage reliably, safely, and quickly. The solution had to meet strict U.S. aerospace standards while being fully compliant with Australian regulations.

Delays were not an option.

The Solution

SES Builds Star-Star Isolation Transformer for Mission-Critical Power

SES supplied a 20kVA 3-phase Star-Star isolation transformer with electrostatic screen, specifically engineered for compatibility between Australian and U.S. electrical systems.

Transformer Specs:

Part No.: SD8384 Rev 1
Input: 415V @ 28A, 60Hz
Output: 208V L-L / 120V L-N (4-wire star, YNyn0 configuration)
Power Rating: 20kVA
Electrostatic screen fitted between windings for noise suppression and safety
Enclosure Options: IP00 (open) or IP23 powder-coated steel housing
Standards Compliance: AS/NZS 60076 and AS/NZS 61558
Temperature Class: Class H (180°C insulation materials)

Manufactured and tested at SES’s Dandenong South facility, the transformer was delivered well within the project’s critical timeline.

The Outcome

Reliable Power for Liftoff—and a Proud Moment for Australian Engineering

NASA’s launch from Arnhem Space Centre marked a major milestone in Australian aerospace history—and SES was proud to be part of it.

Voltage compatibility ensured for U.S. equipment
No delays to mission-critical operations
SES proven capable in high-spec, time-sensitive engineering
Ongoing relationship with Thytec for critical infrastructure delivery

Client Success

Brendan Girt

Deacam Operations Mgr

Nothing short of exceptional Deacam P/L were engaged to perform various project works associated with the Bayswater Level Crossing Removal (LCRP). Quick turnaround from suppliers were paramount to achieving project deadlines. After approaching multiple transformer manufacturing companies, S.E.S ( Southern Electronic Services) were the only company who were able to guarantee the manufacturing lead time required. A 60 kva transformer ordered 25/11/16 and delivered 2/12/16 was nothing short of exceptional considering we were receiving indicative lead times from other manufacturers of up to 30 days. We will be happy to engage SES again.

Charles Huberts

Purchasing Manager

Responsive and accommodating Southern Electronic Services have been supplying GBC Scientific Equipment with the majority of our Transformer and associated products for use in our range of Analytical Instruments since 1987. The Products supplied by Southern Electronic Services are an integral part of our Scientific Instruments, which enable our Customers to analyse elements in solution, up to parts per billion. We have found Southern Electronic Services to be very responsive and accommodating in times of increasing demand, always doing their utmost to get their products to GBC Scientific in a timely manner, supplying the correct product, at the right time and place with a minimum of hassle.

Delia Jones

Director

Rapid Response Dewar Electronics have been dealing with Southern Electronic Services P/L for over 30 years. Scott and his team have always provided us with quality products and prompt service. We are extremely satisfied with their service, especially when we need product in a hurry. They do whatever it takes to help us out. We highly recommend their services to anyone.

Duncan Massie

Director

Nothing too big or small Monex GeoScope has been using SES for over a decade now. We are a small manufacturing company making specialist acquisition system for which we need precision components. SES provide our transformers, inductors. We have limited runs and our products must be extremely repeatable and that is exactly what we receive from SES. SES have also provided invaluable advice and insight into designing induction coils with unique properties again with limited quantities. Given our size we have never felt that we are not important to SES; they provide a competitive quote and timeframe and adhere to it. We have and continue to find dealing with SES extremely pleasing

Scott Callander

Production Manager

Highest quality products Southern Electronic has been the main supplier for our transformer coils for over 10 years. Our transformers come with a four-year warranty period; we are able to offer this due to the quality workmanship of Southern Electronic. Their staff have always been there to help us with any technical enquiries, and their service has always been great. I would recommend Southern Electronic to anyone looking for transformers/winding service.

Stewart Johnston

Managing Director

Reliable products for over 30 years I would like to express our company’s pleasure in our dealings with Southern Electronic Services, which has extended now to nearly 30 years. We have always been dealt with in a professional and efficient manner, be that from yourself or your staff. Your products have been reliable and to my knowledge, I’m not aware of even one failure. So, thank you from PIC Australia and we will keep on using and recommending Southern Electronic Services.