Adam and James Gilmour of Gilmour Space Technologies. Image supplied.
The Queensland government has announced an $8 million investment in the state’s space sector with the launch of its Space Industry Strategy 2020-2025.
Positioning the announcement and investment as a jobs-creation measure, the announcement of the strategy was made by Minister for State Development Cameron Dick.
“Fifty years after humankind first walked on the moon, we are setting up Queensland’s space industry for the next 50 years,” he said.
“Because when it comes to the space industry, we want to see Queensland boldly go where no state has gone before.”
The strategy comprises two core components, according to material released by the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning:
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Strengthening capability: supporting the development of common-user infrastructure such as an orbital launch and static rocket testing facilities, satellite ground stations and a data analytics hub, promoting skills and career pathways, and assisting businesses in accessing supply chain opportunities and federal programs
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Growing the industry: helping businesses working in the space industry to reach larger markets both domestically and abroad. The focus will be on connecting with industries that stand to benefit from space-enabled services like remote sensing.
The department says that this strategy accounts for four key space-related strengths of the state, including ideal conditions for launch opportunity; advantageous factors for development and deployment of ground systems; ideal geographic position and climate for space-enabled services; and strength in robotics, automation and manufacturing through experience in the state’s aerospace, mining, manufacture and defence industries.
“Queensland’s space industry already supports 2000 jobs and generates $760 million in annual revenue through industry services like satellite communications, and we’re eager to build on these numbers,” he said.
“Space technology also adds value to other areas of our economy, delivering increased productivity through Earth observation data and satellite positioning systems.”
Mr. Dick noted the proliferation of Australian launch vehicle development companies in the state – Gilmour Space Technologies, Black Sky Aerospace and Hypersonix – all focused on the increasing demand for rapid launch capability and small satellites.
Gilmour Space Technologies founder and CEO Adam Gilmour said it is great to see Queensland commit to growing this future industry in Australia.
“The ever-increasing demand for big data is driving the world’s demand for satellite services and the need to launch, build and control satellites,” Mr Gilmour said.
“With Queensland’s existing industry and geographical strengths, the opportunity is huge.”
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