The Federal Government is supporting a number of projects aimed at growing the local space economy and creating new jobs, including a new toolkit that will make space missions faster, cheaper, more accurate, and safer.
Industrial Sciences Group will get $442,320 to continue developing its Space Mission Analytics Toolkit, which has already been slated for use by contractors on NASA’s next lunar missions.
The toolbox contains software that allows space companies to model missions and fine-tune their plans before spending money on expensive space gear.
The toolkit can also monitor and analyze tracking data to help with orbit determination once a mission has launched.
It is one of three projects that will share in more than $1.2 million under round four of the Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement Grants Program.
Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price said the Government’s mission was “to triple the space sector’s size to $12 billion and create up to 20,000 new jobs by 2030”.
“This is another example of the incredible space capability that exists in Australia,” Minister Price continued.
“Our Government is unlocking that potential and turning it into job creating reality.
“We’re supporting the Australian space industry to grow its capacity to compete in a global market and become part of future missions, including NASA’s endeavours to return to the Moon and go on to Mars.
“Space is critical to our everyday lives and is also a growing economic powerhouse, so by investing in these projects we’re investing in the future of Australia.”
Infinity Avionics (ACT), which will receive $456,323 to develop a modular imaging unit for space applications, and Blueprint Lab (NSW), which will receive $317,844 to transfer its advanced robotic manipulator technology into the space domain, are the other two Capability Improvement Grant recipients.
Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, said was confident these projects had the potential to leave a mark on the industry.
“I’m consistently impressed by the space technologies being developed here in Australia and know that our businesses and researchers have what it takes to make a real impression on the global stage,” Mr Palermo said.
“We are continuing to build momentum in the local space sector and enhancing our credentials as a serious space nation.”
The Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement program offers grants ranging from $250,000 to $1 million, with applications open until May 1, 2023.
To apply for a grant and for more information, visit business.gov.au.
