The new Innovative Launch, Automation, Novel Materials, Communications and Hypersonics (iLAuNCH) Trailblazer has been launched by the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), in partnership with the Australian National University, the University of South Australia, and industry, to boost collaboration in space research.
iLAuNCH is among the largest space research hubs in Australia. Formed last year through the federal Government Trailblazer Universities Program, iLAuNCH features three universities, and over 20 industry partners.
The $180-million program will invest in space industry research, commercialisation and manufacturing over four years.
The iLAuNCH program was officially launched on 6 July by Assistant Minister for Education, Senator Anthony Chisholm.
“iLAuNCH is harnessing Australia’s natural and competitive strengths to diversify and transform Australia’s economy, workforce and industry, while creating more sustainable, high-value jobs for all Australians,” Assistant Minister Chisholm said.
“Industry plays a pivotal role in propelling university innovation to the forefront of Australia’s economic recovery, and there is great opportunity for small and medium enterprises, as well as the large organisation, to collaborate with Australia’s outstanding researchers.
“I look forward to working with the university and industry partners to ensure the success of this program.”
University of Southern Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie said the program would build Australia’s sovereign space capability by addressing critical gaps and accelerating the development of a space manufacturing sector.
“Today we are officially establishing the iLAuNCH Trailblazer at the University of Southern Queensland’s Toowoomba campus,” Professor Mackenzie said.
“Here we have critical infrastructure in space research, including the long duration hypersonic tunnel, Mt Kent astronomical observatory, advanced automated composites manufacturing facilities and rocket solid fuel manufacturing lab.
“This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of space research that has a critical role in creating new products, companies, technology, and jobs. To be a world leader in the space industry."
Over the next three and a half years, the UniSA team will work with six industry partners across three key projects with a total value of around $20 million.
The Trailblazer Universities Program also includes the opportunity for participating universities to partner with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, to access specialist equipment and expertise to support the delivery of their projects.
One of these projects is the design, manufacture and deployment of a Mobile Mission Operations Centre to support Australian launch services in remote and regional areas as part of the iLAuNCH Trailblazer.
The first group of iLAuNCH industry and delivery partners include: Amaero Engineering, Aspen Medical, Blast One, Boeing Defence Australia, ClearBox Systems, CSIRO, Leonardo Australia, New Frontier Technologies, Nominal Systems, Northrop Grumman, Rocket Technologies International, Saber Astronautics, SMR Automotive, Southern Launch, Space Machines Company, Spiral Blue and Valley Precise Global.