The Australian Government visited Lot Fourteen in Adelaide’s CBD to announce a boost of over $65 million to assist in getting Australian-made technologies into space sooner and to make the nation a leading destination for launch.
Of these funds, more than $32 million will be co-invested into the development of up to three new or existing launch sites across the country, while a further $32 million has been given to the Australian Space Agency to procure and provide spaceflights and services for the sector.
Included in this is a $3.5 million national student space challenge that would see student payloads sent into orbit, and the Australian Space Agency has also been instructed to embark on a mission to put an Australian astronaut back into space.
It is hoped these funds will assist the Australian space industry access new opportunities, grow their capability and access global supply chains.
Head of the South Australian-based Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo, said these funds would help address a number of gaps within the local industry.
“By supporting Australian businesses and researchers to get their products into space more quickly, we are helping them to demonstrate their capabilities to the world, which in turn will create new opportunities to see them grow,” Palermo said.
“This co-investment in the development of spaceports makes Australia’s intentions clear – we want to become a launch nation of choice to attract further private sector investment.
“We are already a desirable launch location thanks to a range of factors, including our unique geographic perspective and political stability – this investment will cement that reputation.”
