Queensland-based company, Gilmour Space Technologies has been selected to develop and launch a new sovereign surveillance satellite as part of the Morrison Government’s $7billion investment in new space capabilities.
Defence Minister Peter Dutton announced the $15 million partnership with Gold Coast based Gilmour Space Technologies and said the investment was a demonstration of the Morrison Government’s commitment to developing sovereign space capabilities.
“In line with our recently released Defence Space Strategy, Defence is closely engaged with the Australian Space Agency and Australian industry to develop and supply sovereign space surveillance and mission system capabilities,” Minister Dutton said.
“I am proud to announce this $15 million investment in new military space capabilities to counter threats and assure our continued access to space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
“Defence first established a partnership with Gilmour Space in 2020 to jointly develop defence-related space technologies, particularly rocket motor-system components.
“Since that time, we have been testing materials and propulsion technologies – all with a view to developing a hybrid rocket to launch payloads and small satellites.”
Minister for Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, and Member for Fadden, Stuart Robert MP, said Gilmour Space Technologies was Queensland and Australian success story.
“Adam and James Gilmour founded the company nine years ago as a start-up,” Minister Robert said.
“Since that time, Gilmour Space Technologies has grown from strength-to-strength to become Australia’s largest space company with 140 employees – and they have job opportunities available right now.
“This company launched Australia’s first privately developed hybrid rocket and they are offering people with a wide background of skills in manufacturing, engineering and support roles the opportunity to launch their own career in space right here on the Gold Coast.”
Minister Dutton said the partnership was just another example of the ways in which the Morrison Government was fast-tracking defence capabilities, with the project aiming to reach significant milestones as soon as next year.
“Defence is aiming to launch a satellite prototype in conjunction with Gilmour Space by mid-2023,” Minister Dutton said.
“This is what we can achieve when government manages our economy well, invests in defence capability and backs Australian industry to help grow jobs now and into the future.”
“When they were last in government, Labor chose to rip money out of defence to plug holes in their budgets.
“Labor doesn’t have a plan to manage our economy, and they always fail to deliver funding for national security and defence.
“The Morrison Government is investing in partnerships today and delivering capabilities now to keep our country safe and secure in the future.”
