The University of South Australia (UniSA) has opened a cutting-edge Advanced Manufacturing facility and unveiled four new iLAuNCH Trailblazer space projects worth $18 million.

Located at Stärke-AMG’s VPG Innovation in Camden Park, the new facility is designed to support industry with the rapid 3D printing of metals for space structures, housing machines capable of printing titanium and nickel alloys essential to space technologies.

South Australian Deputy Premier Susan Close opened the facility, commending the extensive opportunities it would provide.

“The facility will support a world-class sovereign manufacturing capability that will create new jobs and lead to global exports within the space industry. It will add to our state’s competitive manufacturing advantage and will fill a critical gap in the burgeoning space sector,” she said.

“This 3D printing technology makes it possible to rapidly manufacture custom-made parts and other space infrastructure that can save businesses time and cost.”

The new research projects under the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program underpin the university’s growing commitment to South Australia’s space industry through strong commercial partnerships.

The four projects are:

  • The Additive Manufacture of space components using Electron Beam Melting with Industry Partners VPG Innovation – a part of Starke-AMG
  • The Additive Manufacture of novel materials for optical components, satellite sub-assemblies with Industry Partners SMR Automotive Australia and VPG Innovation
  • Development of an AI/ML-enabled space surveillance system for hypersonic missile defence Industry Partners: Northrop Grumman and Spiral Blue
  • Development and flight qualification for an Australian Radioisotope Heating Unit (RHU), supporting a thermal management technology platform for multiple lunar night survival with Industry Partners.

UniSA iLAuNCH lead Industry Professor Colin Hall said the SA projects represent a real opportunity for Australia to expand and develop its space engineering ecosystem.

“Through collaboration and innovation, we will demonstrate how space-capable technologies can inspire the next generation of space engineers and realise a commercial outcome in this sector,” he said.

iLAuNCH Executive Director Darin Lovett added that the Trailblazer program take domestic space collaboration to a new level, priming South Australia to launch into a trillion-dollar global space ecosystem.

“To seize the opportunity, we are focused on commercialising our world class space technology through collaboration and focused effort.”

Additional projects in areas such as Earth observation and optical communication will be announced in coming weeks.

Learn more.

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Pictured from left to right: Lieutenant General Larry James of SmartSat, Deputy Premier Susan Close, Enrico Palermo of the Australian Space Agency and Catherine Grace of SASIC.