NASA contract proves sky’s the limit for NT

NEWS that NASA has chosen the Northern Territory as the location for its first ever launch from a non-government owned site is beyond exciting, not just for the NT but for the whole country

NASA has chosen the Northern Territory as the location for its first ever launch from a non-government owned site

NEWS that NASA has chosen the Northern Territory as the location for its first ever launch from a non-government owned site is beyond exciting, not just for the NT but for the whole country.

The agency will send four sounding rockets up to 1300km above earth from Equatorial Launch Australia’s Arnhem Space Base near Gove.

This is a world first — NASA has never before launched rockets from a commercial spaceport.

The contract puts the Territory at the forefront of the Australian industry, which is projected to be worth a massive $12 billion by 2030.

It means long-term jobs at Nhulunbuy and is certain to attract people from other parts of Australia to relocate here to be part of the exciting industry.

Equatorial Launch Australia boss Carley Scott said it was the single most important event to date in putting the Australian space industry on the global map.

“(It) will open the doors to growth and job opportunities in the Australian space industry,” Ms Scott said.

This is just the beginning. NASA is without doubt the biggest name in space.

Where it goes, others are sure to follow.

Space tourism is a real possibility.

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Virgin Galactic is already in talks with the Australian Space Agency about the industry’s potential. Any commercial runway which can accommodate an A380 will work to launch the commercial flights, meaning Darwin Airport is firmly in the mix.

The future of the NT is very bright indeed.