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Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price have announced that Queensland-based Gilmour Space has secured a collaborative arrangement to develop a lower-cost, reliable and dedicated rocket to launch small satellites into low-Earth orbits.
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The new partnership between Defence Science and Technology and Gilmour Space will research defence-related technologies including propulsion, materials and avionics technologies, to help develop a three-stage hybrid rocket that will launch small payloads and satellites.
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said this new collaboration demonstrates the Morrison government’s commitment to innovation and supporting Australian defence industry.
“Technology advances have allowed rocket systems and launch service providers to offer access to space at a greatly reduced cost and infrastructure footprint,” Minister Reynolds said.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the agreement would open the door for Australian space companies to provide space capabilities to the Australian Defence Force and commercial customers.
“Recent advancements in the capabilities of micro and nano-satellites, small satellite constellations and additive manufacturing present a unique opportunity for Defence and Australian industry,” Minister Price said.
Member for Fadden Stuart Robert said there is potential for more local work as a result of Defence’s strategic agreement with Gilmour Space.
“Gilmour Space Technologies hopes to leverage their work with Defence to undertake more onshore manufacturing of rocket systems and components, which, with further investment, could create up to 50 additional jobs by the end of the year,” Minister Robert said.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
