Australias first commercial sub-orbital rocket was launched in Queensland this morning, bearing the Territorys Boundless Possible livery. The launch is a test for permanent launches from the Territory.
The Northern Territory has made significant inroads in developing a space industry in the Territory with Australias first commercial space launch facility in Arnhem Land.
The Territory Labor Government has partnered with Black Sky Launch Aerospace, a key customer of Equatorial Launch Australia (who are developing Australias first commercial space launch facility in Arnhem Land) to launch the rocket in Tarawera, Queensland.
The space industry has emerged as one of the most dynamic and fastest growing sectors of the world economy and the development of the space industry in the Territory will help to diversify the Northern Territory economy and unlock new business and investment opportunities.
Black Sky Aerospace will use the launch to test new technologies and make sure it has the correct processes and procedures in place before commencing larger launches in the Northern Territory.
Along with Boundless Possible, Black Sky Aerospace have incorporated an Aboriginal painting by artist Dorothy Djakangu Yunupingu on the cone of the rocket. The painting called Djulpan tells the story of the seven sisters the constellation of Djulpan, or Pleiades. The sisters appear at certain times of the year, an indication that the season is right for gathering particular foods.
Equatorial Launch Australia is in partnership with the Gumatj Corporation Limited, and with the support of Developing East Arnhem Limited and the Northern Territory Government, are progressing the development of the Arnhem Space launch facility.
In 2017, the Northern Territory Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South Australian and Australian Capital Territory Governments to support the growth of the Australian Space Industry.
Globally the space industry is worth around $300 billion.
As stated by Chief Minister Michael Gunner
There is enormous potential in the space industry and the Territory is ideally positioned to take advantage of it, to create the jobs of the future for locals.
Todays launch is a great example of business, industry and government working together to grow a new and exciting industry in Australia.
We now look forward to the second launch by Black Sky Aerospace, which will be right here in the Territory in 2019.
The Space industry is a great match for the Territory innovation, determination and vision are core Territory traits, and the development of the industry complements the Territorys existing growth sectors of defence, agribusiness, energy and minerals, and tourism.
As stated by Djawa Yunupingu, Deputy Chair from Gumatj Corporation
I am proud to be at the launch today representing the Gumatj traditional owners.
It is exciting to see this progress after working on this project for a number of years.
The Arnhem Space Centre is an exciting opportunity for Gumatj and it opens the door for new opportunities for Yolngu on our country.
As stated by Klaus Helms, Chief Executive Officer from Gumatj Corporation
We are excited about our ongoing partnership with the Northern Territory Government and Equatorial Launch Australia, which sees us at the forefront of developing a new industry for our region, for the Territory and for Australia. Todays launch is another milestone in this development and we look forward to seeing further progress on the Arnhem Space Centre in the new year.
