Space research hub to model NASA at Adelaide’s Edinburgh RAAF base

Satellite testing, industrial-level 3D printing of spare parts and space simulations. It’s all happening at the Edinburgh RAAF base, which is getting an enhancement based on NASA gear.

• Australian Space HQ officially opened

Adelaide’s Defence base will be given a hi-tech upgrade over the next six months with space simulation equipment set to be installed that is similar to technology used by NASA.

A thermal vacuum chamber will be built at the Edinburgh RAAF base by October, which will allow Defence researchers to test equipment before it’s sent to space, such as satellites.

The Defence Department has also commissioned a raft of other hi-tech equipment for the South Australian base, including an industrial-scale 3D printer.

Defence believes it could lead to developments such as customised armour and print-on-demand spare parts.

This photo was taken from inside a large thermal vacuum chamber called the Space Environment Simulator SES, at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Picture: Chris Gunn

The 3D printer tech, used by military units in the field, could also cut back the need for inventory storage. “Additionally, future trends and opportunities around 3D printing technology include the development of bespoke printers capable of printing novel materials such as fuels for rocket motors,” a Defence spokeswoman said.

Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said the thermal vacuum chamber would “support broader space-related research”, while the 3D printer will “enable the development of advanced materials and non-traditional manufacturing techniques”.

Veteran defence industry figure Brent Clark, now head of lobby group Industry Voice, said thermal vacuum chambers were mostly used to test satellite performance.

“This chamber is really the only way to test the equipment in space conditions prior to being deployed, if you don't do that then you risk blowing a great deal of time, effort and money if the equipment fails,” he said.

The Optical Telescope Elemen Simulator or OSIM at NASA. Picture: NASA / Chris Gunn

Mr Clark said the “big ticket” space items Defence was working towards were a satellite imagery capability and Space Situational Awareness Systems and Radars.

Dr Malcolm Davis, a space security analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said the technology could also be used to test high-speed missiles, amid the global race to achieve hypersonic weapons.

Edinburgh RAAF base was the “ideal” location to build a hi-tech research hub considering its proximity to Technology Park and the aerospace companies that would base themselves in SA, Dr Davis said.

Fellow ASPI analyst Marcus Hellyer warned Defence needed to boost its spending on research and development of emerging technologies, saying: “Our allies and our enemies are moving ahead in leaps and bounds compared to us.”