The Department for Trade and Investment (DTI) has hosted a visit in Adelaide for space companies from the United Kingdom to explore why so many global companies were investing in South Australia’s cutting-edge space sector.
According to the Department, 25 leading UK space companies visited SA, including UK Launch Services, CGI (Conseillers en gestion et informatique), SSTL (Stub Series Terminated Logic), Archangel Lightworks, Space Forge, Inmarsat and D-Orbit.
The Department said the companies gained insights into South Australia’s Space Agency and built foundational partnerships in the rapidly expanding space industry – as Australia’s space sector seeks to triple in size to $12 billion while creating up to 20,000 jobs by 2030.
The Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Susan Close said South Australia’s emergence as a centre for space activity was attracting international space companies of the highest calibre.
“Our collaborative and innovative ecosystem is building capability across the entire space value chain, from cutting-edge research innovation and Earth Observation services to the design and manufacture of small satellites, rockets and space componentry,” Dr Close said.
“This visit is an exciting opportunity to strengthen ties with UK delegates, share expertise and create future opportunities for collaboration and growth in the space sector,” she said.
According to DTI, the trade mission to attract more space companies to SA coincides with the second anniversary of the UK-Australia Space Bridge Agreement, signed to boost cooperation and speed up the growth of the countries’ space sectors.
It said South Australia was boosting its sovereign space manufacturing capability through initiatives like the Australian Space Park, Australia’s first dedicated space manufacturing hub.
Minister for Trade and Investment, Nick Champion said South Australia was making giant leaps in the space sector, and it’s the perfect time for companies to establish or invest in the rapidly growing industry.
“Our expertise and capabilities in hi-tech are world-class, and we want more global players to come on board and help us develop this even further,” Mr Champion said.
“It’s our mission to support these delegates and connect them with the advanced skills and manufacturing on offer right here in SA,” he said.
More information about SA’s space sector can be accessed at this PS News link.
