The South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC) has strengthened South Australia’s ties with one of the world’s leading space ecosystems through a new agreement with Space Florida.
Announced at the 19th Australian Space Forum in Adelaide, the Australian-first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a framework for cooperation across spaceport development, space trade, economic opportunities, research and development, and workforce development.
The MoU provides a platform for SASIC and Space Florida to pursue joint projects and explore concepts involving launch operations in the United States and potential landing and recovery activities in South Australia.
Florida is home to the world’s busiest spaceport and a statewide ecosystem of aerospace talent and infrastructure, while South Australia offers complementary capabilities, including different launch trajectories and growing re-entry, landing and recovery activities.
SASIC Director Campbell Pegg said the partnership would create new opportunities for the South Australian space industry.
“This agreement connects South Australia with one of the world’s most established space ecosystems and provides a platform to grow international collaboration,” Mr Pegg said.
“By combining Space Florida’s expertise and global connections with South Australia’s different launch trajectories and growing re-entry capabilities, we can strengthen cooperation across spaceport development, research and commercial space activity.”
“For South Australian companies and researchers, the agreement creates new pathways to international partnerships, markets and collaborative projects.”
The MoU will also support economic opportunities by helping companies in both regions identify business development leads and leverage each other’s capabilities and market access.
Space Florida President and Chief Executive Officer Rob Long said strategic partnership are central to Florida’s growing influence in the worldwide space economy.
“Florida’s role in the global space economy has always depended on the strength of our partnerships, not just our launch capabilities,” Mr Long said.
“South Australia is emerging as a serious force in spaceport development and space trade, and this MoU lays the groundwork for a long-term relationship that will benefit both regions as that growth continues.”
With global demand for launch services increasing and existing spaceports facing capacity constraints, the partnership provides an opportunity for South Australia to contribute further to international launch capability.
As the South Australian Government’s lead agency for space matters, SASIC has supported the growth of the state’s space industry since 2017. The collaboration with Space Florida strengthens South Australia’s international connections and supports the continued development of the state’s space sector.
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Photo (L-R): SASIC Space Director Campbell Pegg; Defence SA Advisory Board Chair Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO, DSC, MVO (Ret’d); Space Florida Vice President, Space Sector Business Development, Ryan Robertson; Minister for Defence and Space Industries, the Hon Chris Picton MP; Space Florida Senior Vice President, Spaceports Business Unit, Todd Romberger; and Defence SA Advisory Board member Cath Toohey AO, CSC, at a Space Florida and SASIC MoU photo opportunity during the 19th Australian Space Forum.
