One of the world's largest space companies is investing in Queensland's future to deliver a $2 million Science of Rockets STEM program in partnership with Brisbane engineering design and manufacturing company PFi.
Minister for State Development and Manufacturing Cameron Dick said Northrop Grumman will partner with Darra-based PFi to inspire students from all over Queensland to pursue careers in the emerging space industry, with potential to extend the home-grown program world-wide.
"The Science of Rockets STEM program – a world first – was piloted by PFi at Ormeau Woods State High School in 2019 and centres on the design, manufacture and testing of hybrid rocket motors.
"The course will be rolled out to ten Queensland secondary schools in Term One 2020, with more than 50 state secondary schools joining the program ready for the start of the school year in 2021.
Minister Dick said the Science of Rockets program features a "Rocket in a Suitcase", which will be the first commercially developed rocket motor in Australia to be exported. The rocket motor is the size of a carryon suitcase and will be used to engage with students directly on skills the space industry is looking for, and the career paths on offer.
"Many of the jobs of the future will require science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), and the kinds of 'hands on' experience provided by this program helps to bring these subjects alive by turning theory into practice.
"We want students to know that if you study science, you can build a rocket and build a career in the space industry.
"The space industry in Queensland already contributes 2000 full-time positions and generates $760 million per year to the state's economy," he said.
"Our Government has identified the space industry as an industry of the future, with the capacity to employ three times as many people and generate $6 billion for the Queensland economy by 2036.
"That's why we commissioned the Deloitte Access Economics report on Queensland's space industry capabilities and potential economic growth and accepted all 15 recommendations from the parliamentary inquiry into job creation opportunities arising from the space industry.
"We are now finalising the Queensland Space Strategy and working to partner with the Australian Space Agency to make Queensland the home of the Australian space sector.
"We have advanced manufacturing capabilities, a healthy R&D and innovation start-up ecosystem that is becoming recognised world-wide, as evidenced by Northrop Grumman's investment in PFi here in Darra.
"Leading edge technologies such as this will drive new jobs in advanced manufacturing, so we need to ensure we have a highly skilled and capable workforce at the ready."
PFi General Manager Nick Green said Australia's emerging space industry aligns with the company's existing capabilities in advanced manufacturing for the aerospace and defence industries.
"Queensland needs more trade, technical and engineering personnel to work in advanced manufacturing for the space, aerospace and defence industries," Mr Green said.
"There were no specific courses to introduce students to space launch, the most inspiring part of the space industry.
"Forming a course around the design, manufacture and testing of a rocket motor was a practical, hands-on yet interesting way to bring the space industry into schools and universities."
Northrop Grumman Australia chief executive Chris Deeble said the company was proud to support PFi and the Queensland Government on their outstanding STEM education efforts.
"Northrop Grumman is deeply committed to engaging, exciting and inspiring the next generation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics workforce through STEM education initiatives, such as the Science of Rockets program," Mr Deeble said.
"We see enormous potential for this program, not just for schools in Queensland but around Australian and internationally."
Mr Dick said the Queensland Government last year launched the Queensland Aerospace 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan.
"Queensland has all the right drivers for a booming space economy," he said.
Schools getting ready for take off in Term One, 2020 include:
- Ferny Grove State High School
- Ormeau Woods State High School
- Sheldon College
- Toowoomba Grammar School
- Warwick State High School
- Whitsunday Anglican School
- West Moreton Anglican College
- Centenary State High School
- Ipswich State High School
- Kelvin Grove State College
