Australia’s first Mission Control Centre is one step closer to lift off with local company Saber Astronautics chosen to establish the state-of-the-art space hub in Adelaide. The Mission Control Centre will provide facilities for space businesses and researchers to control satellite and space missions, and include a live link to the International Space Station so visitors can watch astronauts on-board.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Mission Control Centre would help grow Australia’s space sector, which will be an important part of our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. “People may question why focus on space when things are so tough here on Earth, but this is about investing in our future and developing an emerging industry which can grow our economy and create new jobs,” Minister Andrews said.
“The Mission Control Centre will support the creation of high-tech jobs and boost the growth of space-based communication technologies and services sectors. Space is also an incredible tool which can help other Australian industries to grow”. Saber will receive $6 million from the Federal Government to establish the facility, while the South Australian Government will invest $2.5 million through the Adelaide City Deal – a 10-year agreement between the Australian and South Australia Governments and the City of Adelaide. South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said Mission Control will cement South Australia as a global leader in the booming space industry.
“This presents unprecedented job opportunities to current and future generations – something that will be critical to the economic recovery of our state post COVID-19.” Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said, “Since signing the Adelaide City Deal, progress hasn’t stopped and today is another step forward that will bring more jobs and economic investment to Adelaide,” Mr Tudge said. Head of the Australian Space Agency Dr Megan Clark AC said the centre would become a focal point for Australia’s national space activities. “The centre will be available for use by start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises, as well as research and educational institutions to control space assets. It will also be used for real-time testing and fast-tracking the improvement of satellite technology.”
The Mission Control Centre will be located at the Australian Space Agency’s headquarters at Lot Fourteen in Adelaide. It is due to launch alongside the Space Discovery Centre, an interactive educational facility, in early 2021. The Morrison Government is investing close to $700 million into the space sector as part of our goal to triple its size to $12 billion and add up to an extra 20,000 jobs by 2030.
The announcement was made 14 June 2020.
