The federal government has announced more than $9 million dollars in innovation grant funding for 12 Australian space technology initiatives.
The grants have been made under the Moon to Mars program and are aligned with NASA’s Artemis mission.
“These projects show the agility and innovative nature of Australia’s space companies, and how we can carve our niche in big international missions,” said the Head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo.
“Space is a global endeavour and by working with our partners like NASA we can create outcomes that benefit Australia, while also contributing to solutions to global challenges.”
The 12 initiatives include three of direct interest to the geospatial community:
- Arlula has been awarded $427,500 to develop new technologies to standardise satellite imagery between different Earth observation spacecraft. The aim is to enable users to more effectively integrate imagery for use in sectors such as agriculture, mining and natural disaster management.
- Quantx Labs has been awarded $532,222 to establish a hybrid advanced manufacturing facility for cutting edge and innovative photonics manufacturing. The facility and processes will support in-country manufacturing of quantum capable, miniaturised, precision timing and sensing systems for supporting time keeping, sensing and navigation in space and on Earth.
- Gilmour Space Technologies has been awarded $808,500 to collaborate with the University of New South Wales to develop an Australian-made, aerospace-grade GNSS receiver suitable for a range of civil, commercial and defence applications in position, navigation and timing. The GNSS receiver, a proven technology from UNSW, will benefit from Gilmour’s advanced space manufacturing expertise and commercialisation capabilities.
“These projects show the exceptional research and innovation that is happening in Australia’s space sector and how our companies can contribute on the global stage,” said the Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic.
“Excitingly, the technologies and products being developed also have applications that can see us respond to important challenges and opportunities — from addressing climate change to driving growth in Government priority areas like robotics, quantum and advanced manufacturing.”
