The Centre for Appropriate Technology Satellite Enterprises’ ground station at Alice Springs. Courtesy CfAT.
The Northern Territory Government is calling for feedback from businesses and individuals regarding its draft Territory Space Strategy for 2021–25.
The new strategy aims to support the growth of the space industry, attract investment and identify potential projects.
The NT government has cited a number of projects that highlight the Territory’s capacity in the space sector, such as the Arnhem Space Centre, support for the Australian government grant of $1.25 million to develop 3D printed rocket engines and the construction of two ground stations in Alice Springs.
The ground stations are hosted by the Centre for Appropriate Technology Satellite Enterprises, Australia’s first and only Aboriginal-owned and -operated ground station service provider.
The Arnhem Space Centre is under construction and will be ready for NASA’s sounding rocket campaign from the facility in mid-2022.
“We are still in the space race, because it means more investment and more jobs for Territorians,” said Minister for Northern Australia and Trade, Nicole Manison.
“As the Arnhem Space Centre shows, the Territory is perfectly positioned to service the space industry and the jobs it will bring.
“We also know that investing in the local space industry will improve local mobile connectivity, remote health, bushfire tracking, emergency management and agriculture.”
The NT government has ambitions for the Territory to be recognised as:
- The home of high-altitude pseudo-satellites in the Indo-Pacific region
- Australia’s premier space launch location; and
- A leading regional centre for ground station facilities.
This strategy aligns with Territory Economic Reconstruction recommendations to develop the Territory’s space industry, maximise foreign and domestic space investment, create jobs and diversify the economy.
The feedback survey closes at 5:00pm ACST on Tuesday, 19 August 2021.
Stay up to date by getting stories like this delivered to your inbox.
Sign up to receive our free weekly Spatial Source newsletter.
