RocketDNA Launches Skylink OS Platform With Tier-1 Mining Customer
RocketDNA launches Skylink OS platform with Tier-1 mining customer
RocketDNA has deployed its proprietary Skylink operating system in live mining operations with an existing Tier-1 global customer. The RocketDNA Skylink OS Mining Deployment, announced on 12 March 2026, marks the technology company’s transition from pure service provider to software platform developer, with the system currently in its initial testing phase.
The platform enables centralised management of autonomous drone missions at enterprise scale. Recent contract wins drove the need to expand remote operations capability, leading to the development of the in-house operating system to manage flight dispatch, resource allocation and data delivery across multiple sites.
The system allows enterprise customers to actively manage mission requests within Skylink, drawing mission polygons, assigning priority levels and receiving real-time status updates from anywhere. Users can request drone missions on-demand or schedule flights in advance at repeated intervals.
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How autonomous drone operating systems work in mining
An operating system for autonomous drones functions similarly to a computer’s operating system, providing the foundational layer that coordinates multiple hardware devices and software processes through a single interface. Rather than manually coordinating individual drone flights, mining operators can now use Skylink to manage entire fleets through centralised digital workflows.
The platform shifts operational control from reactive, individual mission management to proactive, scalable fleet coordination. Key capabilities include:
- Mission dispatch – Operators submit flight requests by drawing polygons over target areas
- Priority assignment – Users set urgency levels to sequence multiple competing requests
- Real-time tracking – Status updates provide visibility on mission progress and completion
- Flexible scheduling – On-demand launches or recurring flights at set intervals
This architecture matters for investors because software platforms typically command higher margins than pure service contracts. Enterprise-scale deployments require coordination tools that can manage hundreds or thousands of missions simultaneously, creating natural scalability advantages and potential recurring revenue streams.
Integration pathways and commercial potential
Skylink creates a foundation for third-party integration with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and software providers. The platform supports machine-to-machine triggering capability for RocketDNA’s xBot solution, enabling automated initiation of drone missions based on external system inputs.
The platform integrates with RocketDNA’s existing SiteTube product, allowing end-to-end drone data requests and visualisation within a single workflow. This integration pathway extends beyond internal products to custom artificial intelligence and geospatial applications developed by external partners.
Christopher Clark, Managing Director & CEO
“Skylink also creates an opportunity for 3rd-party OEMs and other software providers to integrate and trigger autonomous drone missions from anywhere in the world, unlocking custom AI and geospatial applications that provide cost savings, improved productivity and increased safety.”
Third-party integration positions Skylink as platform infrastructure rather than a standalone product. External developers can build applications on top of the operating system, potentially creating partnership revenue opportunities and expanding the platform’s utility without proportional increases in RocketDNA’s development costs.
Development roadmap and next steps
Skylink will continue to evolve through staged version upgrades. Future releases are focused on:
- Deeper automation – Reducing manual intervention requirements
- Integration of autonomy – Enhanced autonomous flight capabilities
- Expanded system interoperability – Broader compatibility with third-party hardware and software
Over time, the platform is expected to support one-to-many operations, where a single operator manages multiple drones simultaneously. Enhanced analytics capability and coordinated drone operations across multiple sites represent key development targets.
Engagement with the Tier-1 customer is expected to accelerate product refinement and inform future version upgrades ahead of broader commercial rollout. Real-world operational feedback will guide feature prioritisation and technical optimisation.
The company has committed to providing structured feature and deployment updates as the initial deployment progresses, with material commercial developments disclosed in accordance with continuous disclosure obligations.
The roadmap transparency gives investors visibility on product evolution timelines and commercial scaling strategy. Tier-1 customer collaboration reduces development risk by ensuring features align with enterprise operational requirements before broader market release.
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RocketDNA’s enterprise customer base
RocketDNA (ASX: RKT) generates revenue through multi-year contracts and short-term projects with major mining clients across Australia and Africa. The company operates regional offices in Perth, Johannesburg and Accra.
| Customer Tier | Example Clients | Operating Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Rio Tinto, BHP, Newmont | Australia, Africa |
| Tier 2 | South32, Vault Minerals, Seriti Coal | Australia, Africa |
Established relationships with major miners provide immediate deployment pathways for Skylink once commercial rollout begins. The existing customer base represents a captive market for platform adoption, reducing customer acquisition costs compared to greenfield software sales.
The company specialises in AI-powered drone data solutions, offering aerial surveying, mapping, security, surveillance and asset inspection through fully outsourced operations. Customers maintain focus on ground operations whilst RocketDNA remotely operates drone systems and ensures fast data turnaround.
RocketDNA has indicated it will disclose material commercial developments as the RocketDNA Skylink OS Mining Deployment progresses, maintaining investor awareness of milestones and expansion metrics as the platform transitions from initial testing to broader commercial availability.
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