A pipeline of exciting local jobs for both now and the future have been further secured amid the massive announcement that South Australia will be the site for the nation's first dedicated space manufacturing hub.
In a landmark announcement today, the establishment of Australian Space Park will further cement South Australia as the nation's Space State and provide a vital manufacturing link to the local space industry value chain.
Four companies are partnering with the South Australian Government to develop the space sector in South Australia through the purpose-built facility, the Australian Space Park – Fleet Space Technologies, Q-CTRL, ATSpace and Alauda Aeronautics.
With the Australian Space Agency and Mission Control already based in Adelaide, the Australian Space Park will boost space manufacturing capability and capacity by initially co-locating four space manufacturing companies in a purpose-built facility with a focus on collaboration and production of small satellites and their payloads, rockets, electrical vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL), and supporting componentry and technical systems.
Premier Steven Marshall today announced the State Liberal Government would be contributing a $20 million investment in the Australian Space Park, which is anticipated to create approximately 220 highly skilled space industry roles within the first two years of operation, further building out the Space ecosystem in South Australia as the national centre for this emerging industry. Discussions with the Adelaide Airport are ongoing as a potential location for the Park.
"My Government has unashamedly adapted a pro-growth, pro-economy agenda and transforming South Australia into the undisputed Space State is a key part of future proofing the jobs-economy for our children in the decades to come," Premier Marshall said.
"The creation of the Australian Space Park signals our commitment to the South Australian and Australian space sector by bridging the gap between research and development and prototyping to production at scale.
"The Hub aligns with Australia's space strategy that aims to triple the space sector's contribution to GDP to over $12 billion per annum and create up to an additional 20,000 jobs by 2030.
"It is fantastic to have four amazing companies partner with the South Australian Government on this initiative, with Fleet Space Technologies, Q-CTRL who we welcome to our state as they expand their Australian presence beyond New South Wales, ATSpace – a brand new Australian company and Alauda Aeronautics partnering and co-investing in the Australian Space Park to further develop the space value chain to meet the needs of satellite and rocket manufacturers.
"Having Q-CTRL and ATSpace establish in South Australia as part of this project provides further opportunities for collaboration and partnerships across the space sector. South Australia's innovative and collaborative eco-system, coupled with our global reputation for hi-tech and space capabilities, continues to attract companies here.
"The Australian Space Park is the next step in positioning Australia's space community to deliver the entire space value chain – enabling the design, manufacture, launch and mission control of NewSpace capabilities."
Flavia Tata Nardini, Co-Founder and CEO of Fleet Space Technologies, on behalf of the industry consortium, said the Australian Space Park will be an important centre to grow not only South Australia's sovereign capability, but also Australia's growing reputation for industry capability within the global space sector and advanced aerospace sectors.
"We are delighted to be part of a facility that is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere," Ms Tata Nardini said.
"Indeed, we are proud to be part of South Australia's growing status as a centre of excellence for space technology on the global stage.
"The opportunity to collaborate with leading minds in our field in a dedicated facility like this will accelerate progress for our entire industry."
Adelaide Airport has been identified by the industry consortium as an ideal location for the Australian Space Park due to its proximity to traditional aerospace companies and the central business district and innovation precinct, Lot Fourteen, which is home to a growing community of space companies.
Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Mark Young, said the Airport Business District offered excellent connectivity with national and international users.
"We're excited to be identified as the potential site of the Australian Space Park, Mr Young said.
"In addition to our central location, we offer suitable land opportunities both for the hub as well as room for growth and to attract like-minded businesses keen to play a role in the growing space sector."
As the centrepiece of the nation's space endeavours and building upon South Australia's strong starting position in the New Space economy, the state is presently targeting an annual growth rate in the space sector of 5.8 per cent over the next decade.
For further information on the Australian Space Park visit www.invest.sa.gov.au/australianspacepark
