The Government has today announced funding for the $157 million Australian Space Manufacturing Network under the Collaboration Stream of the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative.
As one of Australia’s largest sovereign space manufacturers, Gilmour Space Technologies will work with a range of partners and universities to create a manufacturing and test hub and an advanced manufacturing facility to produce launch vehicles and satellites.
The funding will also support the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland, preparing its launch pad to fire rockets into orbit.
The industry-led network will support Australia’s growing space sector to see great Aussie ideas go all the way from initial concepts, to commercialisation and finally to launch.
“This is big news for our Australian Space Manufacturing Network (ASMN) partners, and for commercial space in Australia," Gilmour Space CEO Adam Gilmour said. "Rockets and satellites are key enablers of the global space economy. The co-funding will provide timely support for emerging space manufacturers to develop and mature significant space capabilities in Australia.
“Details have yet to be provided, but we and our ASMN partners intend to leverage on this grant to engage in the full spectrum of space activities, from research and development to advanced manufacturing and launch. These efforts will help grow the industry and deliver real civil, commercial and defence benefits for the nation."
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Government’s investment in the project will help unlock further collaboration between small and medium businesses and researchers to see launch vehicles and satellites take off to space.
“Australia’s space sector has already taken leaps and bounds and is globally recognised. The race is on in the $600 billion global space economy and the Australian Space Manufacturing Network will help cement the incredible opportunities for local companies to be part of the excitement of launch,” Minister Taylor said.
“This investment will rocket us toward our goal of tripling the size of the Australian space sector to $12 billion and creating up to an extra 20,000 new jobs by 2030,” Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price said. “Space and manufacturing go hand in hand. By backing this project we are ensuring Australia can deliver across the entire space supply chain, from design and manufacturing through to launch and operation.
“It also emphasises to our young people that there are a range of jobs with all different skills that are available to them in space, from actual rocket scientists through to space tradies.”