The government has approved the Australian Space Agency’s Charter to support the development of national civil space priorities.
The Charter specifies that an independent, skills-based Advisory Board will provide advice to the Agency head, Dr Megan Clark.
According to Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews, the Charter builds on the establishment of the Australian Space Agency to advance the space industry and broader economy, and create more local jobs in the sector.
“The Charter provides a high-level strategic overview of the Agency, laying out approved governance arrangements including purpose, responsibilities and roles of the Heads of Agency and the Advisory Board,” Minister Andrews said.
“The government invested $41 million in establishing the Australian Space Agency, laying the groundwork to triple Australia’s space economy to $12 billion and create up to 20,000 jobs by 2030.”
The release of the Charter follows Minister Andrews’ visit to Gold Coast-based start-up business Gilmour Space Technologies. Gilmour has secured $19 million funding from Blackbird Ventures and Main Sequence Ventures, which manages the CSIRO Innovation Fund, to develop low-cost rockets for the fast-growing global small-satellite industry.
The company has already launched a low altitude hybrid sounding rocket from Westmar, Queensland and successfully tested their full-scale orbital engine.
“The Advisory Board will review and advise strategic direction and performance of the Agency, and support the Agency to achieve its purpose to grow and transform Australia’s space industry,” Minister Andrews said.
“Apart from the Advisory Board, the Space Coordination Committee (SCC) and Space Industry Leaders Forum will assist the Agency in meeting our goals to drive new opportunities on the national and international stage, working with states, territories and government and industry leaders,” Anthony Murfett, Deputy Head of the Australian Space Agency, said.
“The Forum is the primary mechanism for engagement and coordination with the space industry within Australia. Members of the Forum will include industry representatives, academia, relevant industry associations and other non-government space organisations.”