The federal authorities has awarded Queensland rocket firm Gilmour Area Applied sciences $15 million to develop and launch a brand new sovereign surveillance satellite tv for pc as a part of a $7 billion ramping up of the nation’s area capabilities.
Defence Minister Peter Dutton stated the partnership with the Gold Coast tech firm is a part of the federal government’s Area Command, introduced earlier this yr.
“Consistent with our just lately launched Defence Area Technique, Defence is intently engaged with the Australian Area Company and Australian business to develop and provide sovereign area surveillance and mission system capabilities,” he stated.
“I’m proud to announce this $15 million funding in new navy area capabilities to counter threats and guarantee our continued entry to space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.”
“Defence first established a partnership with Gilmour Area in 2020 to collectively develop defence-related area applied sciences, notably rocket motor-system elements.
“Since that point, we’ve got been testing supplies and propulsion applied sciences – all with a view to growing a hybrid rocket to launch payloads and small satellites.”
Minister Dutton stated Defence is aiming to launch a satellite tv for pc prototype along with Gilmour Area by mid-2023.
“That is what we will obtain when authorities manages our economic system nicely, invests in defence functionality and backs Australian business to assist develop jobs now and into the long run,” he stated.
The Defence Area Technique is Australia’s first and was accompanied by a public “Area Energy eManual” the primary areas of focus for Australia’s defence capabilities in area.
Gilmour Area CEO Adam Gilmour stated the federal government help was “an enormous milestone” for the corporate because it developed sovereign area and launch capabilities for civil, industrial and Defence clients.
“Beneath this deal, Gilmour Area will likely be growing a G-class satellite tv for pc for Defence and launching it on our Eris rocket from an Australian launch web site,” he stated.
“We firmly imagine that partnerships like this may assist to develop future area and Defence primes in Australia and result in extra functionality for Defence within the years forward.”
