WA outback to get rocket launch pad under Labor election pledge

It’s a cliche to suggest political parties aim for the stars during election campaigns.

But in the case of Western Australia’s upcoming state election, it is quite literally true.

Northern WA could provide the perfect launch location.

Labor has promised $2 million to develop a business case for the WA Space Launch Facility – a common-user spaceport to allow businesses to launch satellites and spacecraft into orbit.

Science Minister Stephen Dawson said it was the perfect time for the state to explore building a launch facility.

“The global space launch services market size is projected to reach $47.3 billion by 2032, and currently there are no permanent commercially operating launch facilities in Australia,” he said.

“Global companies are increasingly looking for reliable places for a launch facility as places around the world, particularly the United States, start to run out of capacity and struggle to meet growing demand.”

But the promise has not impressed shadow treasurer Steve Martin, who thinks Labor is on another planet.

“The WA Liberals have our feet firmly on the ground, dealing with the real priorities of Western Australians,” he said.

“First we had race cars on the Swan, then Roger’s Rugby Team, and now a Spaceport – Roger Cook and WA Labor are lost in space and completely out of touch with ordinary West Australians.”

There are already several private proposals to build spaceport launch facilities in the state including the WA Spaceport proposal in Albany and the Space Angel proposal to build two spaceports – one in the Eucla and one on Christmas Island.

The WA Space Industry Strategy released in October last year suggested WA was an ideal location for a launch facility thanks to its clear skies, large arid areas, minimal radio interference, and location.

Dawson said the business case came at the request from WA companies looking to develop launch facilities in the state.

“This business case will look at the best locations, costs, regulatory issues and the optimum business model, and ultimately provide support for space launch operators to make commercial decisions on site selections and infrastructure investment,” he said.

The Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland became the first Australian launch facility to gain a licence in March last year and the facility is gearing up to test its first rocket from next month.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.