The Morrison Government is helping Australian space businesses break into international supply chains, with a further $3 million in funding awarded today under the Moon to Mars initiative.
Round 3 of the Supply Chain Capability Improvement grants will support four local companies to improve their technical capabilities and help them enter new national and international markets.
Acting Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Angus Taylor said the grants will strengthen Australia's space manufacturing base, while also boosting the economy and creating new high-skilled jobs.
"The space sector is one of our six National Manufacturing Priorities and these grants directly contribute to building the skills and capabilities of Australian space businesses so they can scale up their operations and become competitive in global markets," Minister Taylor said.
"The grants also provide a tangible opportunity for Australian businesses to support the transformation of our space industry and contribute to projects that will support NASA's Moon to Mars program."
The four recipients of the Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement grants are:
- Gilmour Space Technologies (QLD) has received $1,000,000 to improve its manufacturing capability to produce qualified composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) that can hold fluids under pressure, for use in the aerospace industry.
- Crystalaid Manufacture (QLD) has received $538,882 to improve its high-tech manufacturing capability to produce electronic components for space use.
- Black Sky Aerospace (QLD), a propellant manufacturer and launch service provider, has received $678,487 to expand production of its Responsive Common Use Booster (RCUB) propellant for commercial use.
- Inovor Technologies (SA) has received $750,000 to deliver rapid, high-reliability and cost competitive satellite manufacturing capability in Australia.
Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo said these projects again demonstrate the incredible opportunities that are present at the intersection of space and manufacturing.
"Space and manufacturing go hand-in-hand and these projects are leveraging that relationship to drive economic growth and create jobs here in Australia," Mr Palermo said.
"With this support, these Australian companies will be able to expand their capability and tap into new supply chains around the world - which adds up to opportunities here at home."
The $150 million Moon to Mars initiative is part of over $700 million invested by the government into the Australian civil space sector since 2018 to support the goal of tripling the sector's size to $12 billion and creating up to an extra 20,000 jobs by 2030.
The Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement program offers grants between $250,000 and $1 million, with applications open until 1 May 2023.
