$52m for Australian Space Manufacturing Network

By on 29 March, 2022

Artist’s impression of a rocket launching from the planned Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland. Courtesy Gilmour Space Technologies.

Anational network with a mission to advance local space manufacturing and future launches in Australia is being backed with $52 million from the federal government.

The government has announced funding for the $157 million Australian Space Manufacturing Network (ASMN) under the Collaboration Stream of the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative.

Gilmour Space Technologies will work with a range of partners and universities to create a manufacturing and test hub and an advanced manufacturing facility to produce launch vehicles and satellites.

The funding will also support the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland, preparing for its launch pad to fire rockets into orbit.

“This is big news for our Australian Space Manufacturing Network (ASMN) partners, and for commercial space in Australia.” (See list of ASMN Founding Partners below),” said Adam Gilmour, CEO of Gilmour Space.

“Details have yet to be provided, but we and our ASMN partners intend to leverage on this grant to engage in the full spectrum of space activities, from research and development to advanced manufacturing and launch. These efforts will help grow the industry and deliver real civil, commercial and defence benefits for the nation.”

The industry-led network will support Australia’s growing space sector to see ideas go all the way from initial concepts to commercialisation and finally to launch.

Over the next five years, it’s expected the project will support more than 850 new jobs, including 350 space manufacturers in skilled engineering and technical roles.

“Australia’s space sector has already taken leaps and bounds and is globally recognised. The race is on in the $600 billion global space economy and the Australian Space Manufacturing Network will help cement the incredible opportunities for local companies to be part of the excitement of launch,” said Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor.

“Space and manufacturing go hand in hand. By backing this project we are ensuring Australia can deliver across the entire space supply chain, from design and manufacturing through to launch and operation,” added Minister for Science and Technology, Melissa Price.

“It also emphasises to our young people that there are a range of jobs with all different skills that are available to them in space, from actual rocket scientists through to space tradies.”

The ASMN founding members are:

  • Gilmour Space Technologies (QLD) – Lead Proposer
  • Electro Optic Systems (ACT) – Co-Proposer
  • ARM Hub (QLD)
  • Amaero Engineering (VIC)
  • AROSE (WA)
  • Central Queensland University (QLD)
  • Common (VIC)
  • DEWC Systems (SA)
  • Earth Observation Australia (QLD)
  • Freelance Robotics (QLD)
  • Greatcell Australia (ACT)
  • Griffith University (QLD)
  • Hetech (QLD)
  • Infinite Engineering (VIC)
  • James Cook University (QLD)
  • Laserdyne Technologies (QLD)
  • LatConnect 60 (WA)
  • Marand Precision Engineering (VIC)
  • muSpace (Thailand)
  • Myriota (SA)
  • Neumann Space (SA)
  • Regional Development Australia, Brisbane (QLD)
  • Romar Scalable Manufacturing Solutions (NSW)
  • SatRevolution (Poland)
  • Space Machines Company (SA)
  • Space Services Australia (NSW)
  • Spiral Blue (NSW)
  • Swinburne University of Technology (VIC)
  • TAFE Queensland (QLD)
  • Queensland Robotics (QLD)
  • Valiant Space (QLD)
  • 3ME Technology (NSW)

Supporting companies:

  • Airbus (AUS)
  • Boeing (AUS)

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