News South Australia

Australian Government invests $65M into space sector

Eliza Sayon Feb 28, 2022

2 min read

The Australian Government is spending over $65 million on its space sector, driving jobs and technology investment into space to make the country a leading destination for launch.

Aside from this, the Australian Government has also instructed the Australian Space Agency to embark on a mission to put an Australian astronaut back into space.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new $65 million funding was part of an ongoing mission to expand the sector, invest in cutting edge technologies and create new jobs.

“Australia is ready to launch and we are backing Australian companies and workers to look up and aim high,” the Prime Minister said.

“The journey to sending an Australian into space means serious investment in local jobs, local technologies and local businesses.”

Since 2018, the Australian Government has invested over $800 million to triple the size of the sector to $12 billion and create up to 20,000 new jobs by 2030.

Over $32 million will also be invested into the development of up to three new or existing spaceports or launch sites across Australia.

The Australian Space Agency will be receiving more than $32 million to procure and provide spaceflights and services for the sector, helping it gain an important ‘flight qualification’ – a common barrier to transitioning space technology from the laboratory to space.

South Australia Premier Steven Marshall said the investment was a major boost for South Australia’s space sector.

“This election is all about building a stronger future and opening new opportunities for South Australians – the space sector does both,” he said.

“This sector is going gangbusters and it’s going to mean our young South Australians can have a rewarding career in the space sector right here without having to move interstate or overseas.”

Meanwhile, Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price said this latest investment would provide Australian industry with further opportunities to grow their capability and access global supply chains – and support more launches taking off on home soil.

“This is about so much more than just the excitement or inspiration of launch,” Minister Price said.

“By investing in the growth of the Australian space sector we’re investing in the future of all Australians.”

Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo said the Fast-Tracking Access to Space package would help address gaps in the local sector.

“By supporting Australian businesses and researchers to get their products into space more quickly, we are helping them to demonstrate their capabilities to the world, which in turn will create new opportunities that see them grow,” he said.

“This co-investment in the development of spaceports makes Australia’s intentions clear – we want to become a launch nation of choice to attract further private sector investment.”

Source: Minister for Science and Technology Media Release

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.