Countdown to $156m space manufacturing network

By jnally on 8 June, 2023

Gilmour Space Technologies announced on 8 June that it has executed a $52 million grant agreement with Australia’s federal government to advance the development and commercialisation of new space technologies.

The funding will support the previously announced $156 million Australian Space Manufacturing Network (ASMN) project led by Gilmour under the government’s Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) Collaboration stream.

The ASMN will be co-funded by the Queensland Government, Gilmour Space and a long list of partners (see below).

The plan is for the ASMN to lead to the establishment of three new space facilities in Queensland:

A common test and manufacturing facility that will enable ASMN members to advance their research and technology development at lower cost.
An advanced manufacturing facility for building commercial rockets and satellites, anchored by Gilmour Space.
An orbital spaceport in North Queensland.

“I would like to congratulate all our ASMN partners, and thank the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the Queensland Government, and City of Gold Coast for supporting this significant project,” said Gilmour Space CEO, Adam Gilmour.

“Most of us in the Australian Space Manufacturing Network are already developing innovative new space technologies. The ASMN hub will allow members to advance their products and services to higher Technology Readiness Levels, facilitate more commercial-focused collaborations, provide valuable supply chain opportunities, and a path to launching their products to space.

“It will also help us build our sovereign capability in manufacturing launch vehicles, satellites and other commercial space technologies for Australian and international customers,” he added.

According to Gilmour, the ASMN is the largest collaboration project for space in the MMI, bringing together more than 30 space companies, universities and supply chain partners — including international satellite companies mu Space and SatRevolution — as well as Australian partners such as Neumann Space, Swinburne University of Technology, Spiral Blue, Greatcell Energy and ARM Hub.

“Expanding the capacity and capability right here in Queensland and — more importantly — right here on the Gold Coast, will mean more local manufacturing, local skills growth, and local jobs,” said Queensland’s Acting Minister for State Development and Gold Coast MP, Meaghan Scanlon.

Gilmour Space is now on the hunt for a suitable location on the Gold Coast for the ASMN hub. Operations are expected to begin in 2024.

Here’s the full list of ASMN Members, comprising Partners (in bold) and Collaborators: