The NT eyes space tourism possibilities with draftstrategy now out for comment
The NT’s Top End could play a key role in space tourism and be a launch site to send tourists into space, according to a draft strategy now out for industry and public consultation.
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THE Northern Territory’s Top End could play a key role in space tourism and be a launch site to send tourists into space.
The Draft Territory Space Strategy 2021-2025 says it's’s expected that space tourism operators will look to establish regional launch hubs to service local markets.
“The Territory is ideally placed to host these facilities as it sits on the doorstep to Asia, has favourable weather conditions, and a number of airports that could be used for horizontal launch,” says the draft document, which is now out for industry and public consultation.
The draft strategy says the advent of Space 2.0 has propelled space tourism from a science fiction pipe dream to a tangible reality.
“Space juggernauts SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, Boeing and Blue Origin are all developing transportation platforms that will soon take passengers on a suborbital and low Earth orbit adventure of a lifetime,” the strategy document says.
“However, for space tourism and human space flight to become a reality in Australia, federal legislation governing these activities will first need to be established.”
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The draft strategy points to comments made by Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson, who said he would love one day to set up an operation in Australia and to work with the Australian government in making that possible.
The vision in the government’s draft document is for the Northern Territory to be recognised as Australia’s premier space launch location and the home of high altitude pseudo-satellites in the Indo-Pacific region.
It also includes being a leading regional centre for ground station facilities.
Mining and Industry Minister Nicole Manison said Territorians, businesses and industry can now provide feedback on the draft Territory Space Strategy for 2021-25.
“The Territory government is developing a new space strategy to support the future growth of the space industry, attract investment and identify potential projects,” she said.
“The draft strategy will capitalise on our strategic advantages to attract investment and create local jobs, while establishing our vision.”
Territorians have until August 19 to contribute.
Visit haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/territory-space-strategy.
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