Australian launch services provider, Gilmour Space Technologies, has established a presence at the Defence and Space Landing Pad at Lot Fourteen – South Australia’s world-class innovation district.
The Queensland-based company, which is developing Australian-made launch vehicles and satellite platforms, becomes the latest space firm to join the Landing Pad, with plans to deepen its involvement in the state’s growing space ecosystem.
The company will use its South Australian base to strengthen connections with the Australian Space Agency, industry partners and the research community to accelerate Australia’s sovereign launch capabilities and drive innovation.
Head of Mission Management at Gilmour Space Matthew Congedi said South Australia’s rapidly maturing space and defence sectors were a natural fit for the company.
He explained how the state’s concentration of government agencies, universities, start-ups and major defence and space companies would support collaboration and keep the company connected to emerging opportunities in the national space industry.
“South Australia is a key player in the nation’s space and defence sectors, with new technologies, talent and expertise emerging across the state,” Mr Congedi said.
“This strongly complements the sovereign launch and satellite manufacturing capabilities we are building at Gilmour Space.
“Having a base at the Defence and Space Landing Pad, enables us to collaborate more effectively and stay connected to the ideas, talent and opportunities shaping Australia’s future in space.”
Managed by Defence SA, the Defence and Space Landing Pad offers national and international companies office accommodation, government support and business advisory services to help establish and scale local operations.
Since opening in 2018, the Landing Pad has supported more than 20 space and defence companies to enter the South Australian market, including Kongsberg, Egis and L3Harris, all of which have since established long‑term operations in the state.
Defence SA CEO Matt Opie welcomed Gilmour Space to the Defence and Space Landing Pad.
“Gilmour Space arrives at Lot Fourteen at a time of continued growth for South Australia’s space sector, home to the Australian Space Agency, leading research institutions and a growing cluster of defence and commercial space organisations,” he said.
“The company’s arrival positions it within a collaborative environment designed to support industry development, research translation and the creation of new space technologies.”
Founded in 2013, Gilmour Space is developing sovereign launch, satellite and hypersonic capabilities, and operates a spaceport in Bowen, Queensland.
Gilmour Space recently secured $217 million in a Series E funding round, including $75 million from the federally funded National Reconstruction Fund Corporation.
This investment, which lifts Gilmour Space to a $1 billion valuation, will accelerate the development of its rocket technology and support the scaling of its operations.
Gilmour Space’s move into Lot Fourteen marks an important step in the company’s growth trajectory and underscores South Australia’s reputation as a national hub for space activity.
