Australian Space Agency sends strong signal as it launches Airbus link

Australia’s new space agency has inked a deal with Airbus aimed at helping the local industry boldly go beyond the earth.

Giant radio telescope satellite dishes at twilight. Picture: iStock

Australia’s space industry took one giant leap on Thursday, with the country’s space agency signing a statement of strategic intent with Euoprean manufacturing giant Airbus.

The deal will see Airbus will work with start-ups, academics, small businesses and the Australian Space Agency to develop the local sector.

“Today’s statement of strategic intent adds to the existing strong presence that Airbus has in Australia in commercial and military aircraft and helicopters,” Asia-Pacific Airbus president Pierre Jaffre said in a statement.

“With more than 1500 employees at 10 sites in the country, Airbus is proud to be a partner in the aviation industry and will continue our journey in the new space ecosystem in Australia.”

Minister for industry, science and technology Karen Andrews said the deal was the first by Australia’s new agency with an industry partner, and would send a strong signal for further investment opportunities.

The space industry is worth about $345 billion a year globally, and the federal government is aiming to triple the size of Australia’s space industry by 2030.

“Airbus has a major presence in Australia, supplying earth observation satellite imagery to the Australian market for over 25 years,” Ms Andrews said.

“The statement is confirmation of Airbus’ support for Australia’s space discovery, technology development and connectivity, and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education.”

In June Airbus selected Wyndham airfield in Western Australia as the first flight base for its pioneering Zephyr solar-powered unmanned aircraft.

According to Airbus, its Zephur aircraft can be used for military operations, precision farming guidance, security monitoring as well as providing internet coverage to regions of poor or zero connectivity.

“We welcome Airbus’ choice of Australia for the world’s first operations of the Zephyr and Skynet 5 platforms,” Australia’s space agency boss Dr Megan Clark said.

“Wyndham is the world’s first operational site for the launch and recovery of Zephyr, which will be home to Airbus employees during operations. The Zephyr can fly for days or weeks at a time, providing surveillance over land or sea, and hosting communications links.

“In addition to job creation, we also commend Airbus’ efforts to actively support STEM education and training opportunities in Australia and internationally.”