Australian space manufacturing will take a giant leap thanks to Boeing’s expertise in space product development and RMIT’s world-leading research in advanced manufacturing.
The partnership announced today involves projects on product design strategy, materials research and process innovation.
These collaborations will harness global networks and expertise to develop local solutions for the manufacturing of space equipment.
RMIT Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Calum Drummond AO, said the research and development will be undertaken at RMIT’s Space Industry Hub.
Launched this year, the Hub is a launch pad and industrial solutions incubator dedicated to growing Australia’s space sector.
“Our ultimate goal is to maximise opportunities for commercialisation of the products that we co-develop with Boeing,” Drummond said.
“This is a pioneering project which provides a tangible pathway for Australian businesses to upskill, innovate and export globally as manufacturers of products for space applications.
“Leveraging Boeing and RMIT’s joint expertise and facilities, we believe we can unlock boundless future opportunities for Australian industry.”
Boeing Defence Australia director of Aerospace Engineering and Production, Paul Watson, said Australia’s burgeoning space sector required the production of complex, low volume, bespoke components not suited to conventional manufacturing techniques.
RMIT’s Advanced Manufacturing Precinct is a leader in the advanced manufacturing techniques required.
“This partnership will develop new knowledge in advanced manufacturing technologies which will not only stimulate the development of a local fabrication capability but will also expose Australian industry to space export markets as part of Boeing’s global supply chain,” he said.
Boeing’s longstanding relationship with RMIT has contributed significantly to Australia’s aerospace manufacturing capability through innovation in undergraduate education, postgraduate research and collaborative research projects.
