Federal Budget funding for space agency a ‘huge’ step

SEED funding for a space agency was one small step for the Budget but one giant leap for humanity, according to rock star start-up Fleet Space Technologies.

• Leaders work together to bring national space agency to Adelaide
• Anticipated report into an Australian space agency looms
• Back our tax cuts, Morrison urges Senate

SEED funding for a space agency was one small step for the Budget but one giant leap for humanity, according to rock star start-up Fleet Space Technologies.

This week’s Budget promised $41 million for an Australian Space Agency, alongside $260 million for satellite capabilities.

Fleet is launching 100 nano-satellites into orbit to connect all sorts of everyday things to the internet — and each other.

Chief executive Flavia Tata Nardini said the Australian space industry would “touch the lives of each and every Australian”.

“This is huge. This is the moment that everything changes. In 20 years’ time, we will be looking back and pinpointing this period as one of the most transformational in Australian history,” she said.

A computer-generated image of the nano-satellite that Adelaide tech company Myriota will launch into space from a rocket owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk.

“The $41 million assigned to the Space Agency in the Federal Budget will enable the Government to define the future of our nation as humanity takes its next great step.

“The funding will rapidly launch us into the next era — the fourth industrial revolution.” Initial reports suggested there would be $50 million for the agency, which some saw as too little, but most industry leaders said it would be enough as long the agency was properly established.

The Government is expected to release an expert panel review of how the agency should look within days. Former CSIRO boss Megan Clarke is set to be the head, with an initial administration office likely set up in Canberra.

Adelaide is a contender for an industry hub. Michael Davis, chair of the Space Industry Association of Australia, was on the expert panel and said it was “vitally important” its recommendations be accepted.