Cash boost for NQ rocket launch proponents

A $157 million bid led by Queensland-based Gilmour Space Technologies to grow sovereign space manufacturing in Australia has attracted $52 million in Federal funding. Gilmour Space Technologies will work with a range of partners including universities to create a manufacturing and test hub and an advanced manufacturing facility to produce launch vehicles and satellites. The funding will also support the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland, preparing its launch pad to fire rockets into orbit. Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the government’s investment would help unlock further collaboration between small and medium businesses and researchers to see launch vehicles and satellites take off to space. “Australia’s space sector has already taken leaps and bounds and is globally recognised," he said. "The race is on in the $600 billion global space economy and the Australian Space Manufacturing Network will help cement the incredible opportunities for local companies to be part of the excitement of launch. “From testing to manufacture, to assembly and finally launch, this project will harness great Aussie know-how to attract further private investment and create hundreds of high-skilled and high-value jobs. This is a big win for Queensland jobs." Related: Test-fire success for NQ rocket launch plans Over the next five years, it’s expected the project will support more than 850 new jobs, including 350 space manufacturers in highly skilled engineering and technical roles. Gilmour Space chief executive officer Adam Gilmour described the funding under the government's Modern Manufacturing Initiative as a big deal for Australian Space Manufacturing Network (ASMN) partners, and for commercial space in Australia. “Rockets and satellites are key enablers of the global space economy. This co-funding will provide timely support for emerging space manufacturers to develop and mature significant space capabilities in Australia," he said. The ASMN proposal, which includes support from the Queensland Government, aims to establish three new space facilities in Queensland: - A common test and manufacturing facility, enabling members to advance their space research and technology development at lower cost. - An advanced manufacturing facility for building commercial rockets and satellites, anchored by Gilmour Space. - An orbital spaceport at Abbot Point, near Bowen in North Queensland, that will help bring many of these products to space.

Cash boost for NQ rocket launch proponents

Industry Queensland

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