The government has announced that it will put $6 million towards a Mission Control Centre for the Australian Space Agency (ASA), and a further $6 million towards establishing a Space Discovery Centre.
The funding will form part of the Adelaide City Deal, which will soon be signed by the three levels of government.
The Mission Control Centre will be built at the Lot Fourteen precinct, near ASA headquarters on the site of the former Royal Adelaide Hospital.
“The Mission Control Centre will be a focal point for space missions in Australia, providing facilities to control small satellite missions, enabling real-time control and testing and the accelerated development of Australian satellite technology,” Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said.
“It will be available for use by space start-ups and small-to-medium enterprise space businesses, as well as research and educational institutions from across Australia.
“These investments will help the Australian Space Agency foster the growth of a globally competitive space industry, worth about US$345 billion.”
The Space Discovery Centre will provide STEM education, engagement and inspiration for young Australians, as well as activities such as mission simulation and training for tertiary education.