The Australian Government is taking a significant step towards strengthening the country’s future with the establishment of Australia’s first national space mission. This historic investment aims to enhance Australia’s independent capabilities, foster sector growth, and generate hundreds of job opportunities.
To kickstart the National Space Mission for Earth Observation, the 2022-23 Budget allocates $1.16 billion (USD $871.6 million) until 2038-39, along with $38.5 million (USD $28.9 million) per year for ongoing support. This initial phase will involve the design, construction, and operation of four new satellites, under the leadership of the Australian Space Agency. By doing so, Australia will attain greater self-reliance in obtaining crucial Earth Observation data, while simultaneously expanding the industry and job market for future success.
Most substantial contribution ever made to Australia’s civil space sector
Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price emphasized that this investment represents the most substantial contribution ever made to Australia’s civil space sector. Earth observation satellites play a pivotal role in various aspects of everyday life, from weather forecasting and disaster response to environmental management and support for agriculture. Minister Price stated that this investment reinforces the government’s commitment to bolstering domestic space capabilities for the sake of national security, economic opportunities, and long-term growth.
The development and launch of the first four Australian satellites will lay the groundwork for more complex space missions in the next decade. This progression will cultivate expertise and generate job opportunities within Australia’s critical space industry. Furthermore, it will strengthen partnerships with like-minded countries, enabling access to their satellite data for the benefit of all Australians.
During the initial four-year construction phase, the project is projected to generate over 500 jobs, with over 100 companies across Australia expected to form a supplier network. The Australian Space Agency will lead the National Space Mission in collaboration with Geoscience Australia, CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology, and Defense.
Other key components of the Budget include:
- $65.7 million (USD $50.7 million) over five years to facilitate rocket launches from Australia, accelerate the deployment of space assets and research projects by Australian businesses and researchers.
- $12.1 million (USD $9.1 million) over five years (with an ongoing annual provision of $0.3 million or USD $225,404) to remove cost recovery requirements mandated by the Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018. Additionally, a regulatory reform program will be implemented to streamline interactions with the industry.
- $9.5 million (USD $7.1 million) over two years to develop a Space Strategic Update, providing guidance on future funding opportunities and aligning Australia’s space efforts.
- $3.0 million (USD $2.25 million) in 2022-23 to extend the International Space Investment initiative and foster relationships with international space agencies.
- $25.2 million (USD $18.9 million) to expand the International Space Investment initiative, enabling Australian businesses and research organizations to collaborate with the Indian Space Research Organisation and the broader Indian space sector.
With this funding, the government’s commitment to Australia’s civil space sector exceeds $2 billion (USD $1.5 billion) since the establishment of the Australian Space Agency in 2018. Additionally, the Morrison Government has allocated $85.9 million (USD $64.5 million) to enhance space industry skills and employment within Australia as part of the $1.3 billion (USD $976.7 million) Modern Manufacturing Initiative.
These initiatives aim to triple the size of the space sector by 2030, reaching $12 billion (USD $9 billion) and generating an additional 20,000 jobs.The Budget also dedicates $37.4 million (USD $28.1 million) until 2025-26.