The official signing of the Lockheed Martin Statement of Strategic Intent and Cooperation with the Australian Space Agency occurred at the Australian Space Industry Conference 2019, held in Melbourne as part of a dedicated Space industry sector program at the 2019 Avalon Air Show.
At the heart of the relationship is investment in space systems and services, technological capabilities, and STEM education initiatives.
Rod Drury, Managing Director Australia and NZ for Lockheed Martin Space, said the agreement highlighted Lockheed Martin Australia’s commitment to investing in partnerships with Australia’s research and industry communities while providing opportunities for technology transfer, innovation, local skilled jobs and sustainable business growth.
“As the world’s largest space business, Lockheed Martin is proud to partner with the researchers and entrepreneurs responsible for the innovative technologies driving the development of Australia’s space sector,” Drury said. “The relationship with the Australian Space Agency further underscores our ongoing commitment to supporting the development of this exciting sector, which is rapidly emerging as a key enabler of Australia’s national security interests and the economy as a whole.”
Lockheed Martin has invested in a joint research and development partnership with Curtin University to investigate the potential for commercialising of its Desert Fireball Network as a Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capability, and the ongoing development of Australia’s Satellite-Based Augmentation Services (SBAS) test-bed network, expanding the capacity underpinning Australia’s SSA, Position Navigation and Timing ecosystem.
The Australian Space Agency’s priorities in space include communication, operations and ground stations; position, navigation and timing; space situational awareness; research and development; earth observation; and remote asset management in space and on earth.
“The Australian Space Agency is committed to open, transparent and significant engagement with industry,” Agency head Dr Megan Clark said.
“We welcome Lockheed Martin Australia’s continued support to grow the space sector in Australia and for its broad engagement with the Australian economy.”