Space industries
Western Australia has more than 60 years’ experience in the space industry and is developing a world-leading, thriving space ecosystem.
Western Australia has significant geographical, technical, research and infrastructure advantages and capabilities, with activity in all Priority Areas identified in Australian Space Agency’s Civil Space Strategy.
This is supported by a vibrant research and technology sector with significant space technology and data customers across mining, oil and gas, agriculture, defence, energy and maritime sectors.
Backed by Western Australian Government funding, the State is positioned to play a significant role in supporting NASA’s and private lunar missions and the global space economy.
Western Australia is home to more than 100 international and Australian organisations operating space and space-related services.
Significant areas of activity and capability include ground-based satellite and deep space communications; space situational awareness; data processing and analysis; world-leading remote operations automation and robotics; with emerging capabilities in optical communications, satellite development and launch.
Quick Facts
Western Australia is home to the only optical space ground station in the Southern Hemisphere.
By 2023, WA will have more satellites in space than any other Australian state.
Western Australia is co-hosting the largest radio telescope in the world.
Highlights
Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE)
AROSE is a not-for-profit, industry-led consortium, standing at the forefront of knowledge and technology transfer between Australia’s traditional industry sectors and the burgeoning international space sector.
Australian Space Automation, AI and Robotics Control Complex (SpAARC)
SpAARC is a world-class facility in Australia that trains, tests and controls remote and autonomous operations in space and other harsh environments, and a world-recognised commercial facility for innovation, security and collaboration.
Australian Space Data Analysis Facility (ASDAF)
ASDAF has been established to enable Australian SMEs and researchers access, understand and use space data to make important decisions and develop new products and services.
The University of Western Australia International Space Centre (ISC)
ISC combines leading space science, research and teaching capabilities, with the mission of advancing our ability to operate from space and enabling the development of innovative technology to enhance and sustain life on Earth and beyond.
Curtin University Space Science and Technology Centre (SSTC)
SSTC is home to the largest planetary research group in the Southern Hemisphere. SSTC is recognised by NASA as the formal representative of Australia’s planetary science community and is involved in several space missions including NASA’s OSIRIS-Rex and Mars Insight, ESA’s Solar Orbiter and SWARM, JAXA’s Hayabusa Earth re-entry and joint ESA/JAXA BepiColombo.
Mingenew Space Precinct
Located 400 km north-west of Perth, the Precinct is protected by the Australian Communications and Media Authority which prevents the use of selected terrestrial radio frequencies within 300 km of the site in order to support the development of space communications facilities in the area. Current operators in the precinct include Swedish Space Corporation, Capricorn Space, Geosciences Australia and Leaf Space. Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station will also be building a deep space ground station in the area.
Why Western Australia
Western Australia has the following advantages and opportunities:
- Southern hemisphere location and longitude are ideal for space situational awareness and provide maximum access to Global Navigational Satellite System constellations.
- Ideal environmental conditions for space communications with clear skies (low rainfall and cloud cover) and large arid areas with minimal radio interference.
- Significant investment in space infrastructure including ground stations, space radars and telescopes and computational infrastructure.
- Substantial capabilities in space systems, communications, astronomy, planetary research, data analytics, cybersecurity and terrestrial application and adoption of space data and technology.
- World-leading capabilities in remote operations, automation and robotics in remote and harsh environments.
- Partnerships and extensive activity with international space agencies.
- Emerging capabilities in optical communications; Earth observation; satellite payloads and IOT; and CubeSat design, construction and operation.
- Diverse and highly-skilled workforce with more than 100 international and Australian organisations operating in space and space-related services.
More information
Western Australia’s tech talent arrive on the international stage
Some of Western Australia’s smartest tech talent has represented the State at a global technology festival. The first ever virtual London Tech Week (LTW) was held in 2020 and remained an online event this year for international participants due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Western Australia engages with renewable and sustainable markets
Western Australia’s Investment and Trade Commissioners have supported a delegation touring South Korea and Singapore, driving further opportunities for Western Australia in an increasingly competitive world of trade and investment.
Get in touch
If you are looking for opportunities in business, investment or trade, contact our experienced team at Invest and Trade WA.
Our in-house experts can support you directly and provide referrals or introductions across our network of overseas offices, industry bodies and government agencies.
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