Global aerospace company Airbus Defence and Space will open its first Australian office dedicated to space at the Defence and Space Landing Pad at Lot Fourteen in Adelaide.

The new office will be home to the Resilient Multi-Mission (RMS) STaR Shot program and missions — a strategic research program established to develop future space capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

In July 2022, Airbus was selected as the strategic partner to fast-track the development of sovereign, critical satellite technologies under the RMS program. The RMS aims to ensure the ADF is equipped with ongoing access to resilient and trusted communication, intelligence and surveillance services.

Having a permanent presence in South Australia will enable Airbus to provide a focal point for wider engagement with Australian industry as the program looks to demonstrate and experiment with locally manufactured payloads.

Managing Director Airbus Defence and Space UK, Richard Franklin, said it was South Australia’s “diverse and vibrant” ecosystem that made it the natural choice for the company.

“We look forward to working closely with the innovative start-ups and scale-ups in South Australia to help further build a sustainable sovereign Australian space sector,” said Mr Franklin.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Susan Close MP, said the company’s expansion into South Australia is a major boost to the state’s space capability.

“South Australia’s space industry is on an exciting trajectory and I’m proud to welcome Airbus and the opportunities they will bring to advance our mission to build a thriving and enduring space ecosystem,” said Minister Close.

Airbus joins a growing number of international defence and space companies that have used the Defence and Space Landing Pad, managed by Defence SA, as a grounding for their expansion into South Australia, taking advantage of the support, advice and relationship building opportunities provided.

Defence SA’s Chief Executive, Richard Price, said the Landing Pad is a one-stop-shop that supports the relocation of international companies to South Australia.

“It’s great to see another global defence and space leader such as Airbus recognise the value of growing their footprint in South Australia and we look forward to supporting their business journey,” said Mr Price.

 

Image: Managing Director Airbus Defence and Space UK, Richard Franklin, with Defence SA Chief Executive, Richard Price at the Australian Space Discovery Centre.