Susan Close MP
Minister for Defence and Space Industries
Nick Champion MP
Minister for Trade and Investment
Space companies from the United Kingdom have landed in Adelaide on a mission to explore why more global companies are investing in South Australia’s cutting-edge space sector.
A group of 25 leading UK space companies comprising 40 delegates were in town this week, including UK Launch Services, CGI, SSTL, Archangel Lightworks, Space Forge, Inmarsat and D-Orbit, and representatives from the UK Government and UK Space Agency. The delegation is supported by the Department for Trade and Investment.
The contingent follows recent announcements that global companies Airbus, SSTL and Equatorial Launch Australia will all establish bases in South Australia.
Delegates from the United Kingdom will gain insights into South Australia’s role as the home of the Australian Space Agency and build foundational partnerships in the rapidly expanding space industry – as Australia’s space sector seeks to triple in size to $12 billion while creating up to 20,000 jobs by 2030.
This trade mission to attract more space companies to SA coincides with the second anniversary of the UK-Australia Space Bridge Agreement, which was signed to boost cooperation and speed up growth of the countries’ space sectors.
The trip is also being supported by the South Australian Space Industry Centre, Australian Space Agency, CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology.
For more on the state’s space sector visit invest.sa.gov.au/sectors/space-industries
Quotes attributable to Susan Close
South Australia’s emergence as a centre-of-gravity for space activity is attracting international space companies of the highest calibre to our state.
Our collaborative and innovative ecosystem is building capability across the entire space value chain, from cutting-edge research innovation and Earth Observation services, to the design and manufacture of small satellites, rockets and space componentry.
This visit is an exciting opportunity to strengthen ties with UK delegates, share expertise and create future opportunities for collaboration and growth in the space sector.
Quotes attributable to Nick Champion
South Australia is making giant leaps in the space sector and it’s the perfect time for companies to establish or invest in our rapidly growing industry.
Our expertise and capabilities in hi-tech are world-class, and we want more global players to come on board and help us develop this even further.
It’s our mission to support these delegates and connect them with the advanced skills and manufacturing on offer right here in SA.
Quotes attributable to D-Orbit UK managing director Simon Reid
D-Orbit, as an orbital transportation and space logistics company, is looking forward to seeing the space and hi-tech industry that has developed in South Australia and understand how we might be part of the thriving ecosystem.
Quotes attributable to Archangel Lightworks chief commercial officer Paul Davey
Archangel Lightworks are pleased to be visiting Adelaide, as part of the UK Government’s flagship space sector trade delegation to Australia to coincide with the second UK-Australia Space Bridge anniversary.
The mission will allow Archangel Lightworks to network with leading South Australian space companies and form new business partnerships, forge scientific collaboration and research opportunities, whilst identifying local suppliers and customers.
