Australia’s leading space research centre SmartSat CRC has created a new space supply chain mapping tool alongside Satellite Applications Catapult and the UK Government, further showcasing the UK and Australian space sector capabilities. 

SmartSat CRC CEO Andy Koronios said the partnership was a symbol of their commitment to delivering next-generation technologies and innovative projects that will contribute to and support the goal of Australia and the UK in accelerating their space industries. 

“We are very excited to work with Satellite Applications Catapult to help develop this new capability,” he said.

“This also embarks an exciting chapter for both nations in uncovering new, major growth opportunities for several key sectors including the supply chain, driving broader economic gains, as well as boosting our alliances that will be valuable in achieving our long-term objectives.” 

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Enabled by the Space Bridge, an alliance between the UK and Australia that enhances cooperation across both nations to boost respective space industries, the mapping tool will also identify opportunities for collaboration and growth.   

The new space and supply chain mapping tool was built within the existing UK Space Capabilities Catalogue (UKSCC) and extended to develop an International Comparison Dashboard with a current focus on Australia. 

UK Space Agency CEO Paul Bate said the mapping tool was another great example of the UK-Australia Space Bridge unlocking innovation, promoting the exchange of knowledge, and bolstering partnerships across the world. 

“We’re launching this new capability, in partnership with the Satellite Applications Catapult and SmartSat CRC, to identify areas for growth and opportunities for collaboration with our Australian colleagues,” he said.  

“Together we can catalyse investment and maximise the vast potential of our growing space sectors.” 

The Dashboard was launched at the 2023 Avalon Airshow at the UK Pavilion on Wednesday this week for the second anniversary of the Space Bridge, alongside representatives from the UK Government, Satellite Applications Catapult, and SmartSat CRC. 

The Dashboard aims to identify potential gaps in either market that could be addressed by foreign direct investment and export opportunities.  

It is also designed to stimulate new opportunities for organisations, industries, and researchers across nations to collaborate on potential projects and programmes and to attract international customers and end-users. 

“We envisage this tool enabling stakeholders across the UK and Australia to see where there are opportunities for collaboration and to strengthen ties between our respective space industries, governments, and end users by identifying growth areas,” International Engagement at the Satellite Applications Catapult Director Stuart Naylor said. 

“Innovation and collaboration across nations are a vital part of future economic growth and a key element of our work at the Satellite Applications Catapult. This new and exciting initiative begins the process of providing a quantitative evidence base for decision-making to enable growth.” 

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The space supply chain mapping tool was supported by the UK Space Agency (UKSA), with matched funding for Supply Chain Tagging from the Satellite Applications Catapult and SmartSat CRC.  

During the initial pilot, the Satellite Applications Catapult catalogued 240 Australian organisations, which represent a significant portion of the Australian space ecosystem. 

This project is another successful milestone for the Space Bridge. Over the last two years, this partnership has resulted in several exciting initiatives which include five joint research projects to promote sector capabilities. 

 “This is yet another clear example of the great shared focus and investment in scientific innovation facilitated by our Space Bridge,” UK High Commissioner to Australia Vicki Treadell said. 

“Just as space exploration carves a celestial path through the heavens, this new mapping tool will allow us to chart exciting new opportunities for collaboration between government and industry.” 

The next phase of the project, including its expansion to add new countries and partners, as well as showcase its benefits and future implementation on space capabilities, was discussed at the event. 

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.

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