Universities collaborate with government and industry in space

University of Southern Queensland astrophysicists operate the Mount Kent Observatory, Queensland’s only professional observatory for astronomical and space sciences research and the only facility in the southern hemisphere providing a key specialised support role for NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission.

Space has always fascinated humanity, capturing our imagination and driving us to explore the unknown. A new era in the space industry is making space exploration more accessible and increasingly important for modern civilisation.

Space 2.0 holds immense potential for advancing scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and economic opportunities. Universities are playing a central role.

Collaboration in space research will boost Australia’s position in the global space economy, drive innovation and develop a new generation of space leaders. This is the vision for the new iLAuNCH Trailblazer at the University of Southern Queensland in partnership with the Australian National University, the University of South Australia and industry.

iLAuNCH – Innovative Launch, Automation, Novel Materials, Communications and Hypersonics – will build Australia’s sovereign space capability by addressing critical gaps and accelerating the development of a space manufacturing sector.

USQ’s dual layer robotic braiding facility can make high performance composite structures – including carbon, glass, Kevlar, thermoplastic and co-mingled yarns – for space manufacturing application

At the core of the $180-million iLAuNCH Trailblazer – formed last year through the Federal Government Trailblazer Universities Program and launched this month – is a commitment to cutting-edge research and the development of infrastructure in space exploration.

iLAuNCH is among the largest space research hubs in Australia. The net economic benefit of the $180 million investment is expected to top $3.6 billion by 2040.

The University of Southern Queensland is a leader in space research and industry collaboration with a track record of success with major partners and industry.

In partnership with government, industry, ANU and UniSA, iLAuNCH will leverage the University of Southern Queensland’s expertise and facilities, including its long duration hypersonic tunnel, Mt Kent astronomical observatory, advanced automated composites manufacturing facilities, and rocket solid fuel manufacturing lab.

By taking a collaborative approach to harness our collective world-class space technology and expertise, Australia can capitalise on the trillion-dollar global space ecosystem. The resulting benefits will boost the economy, inspire the next generation of space engineers and progress our advanced manufacturing sector.

iLAuNCH will play a central role in Australia’s space progress over the next four years through substantial investments in space industry research, commercialisation and manufacturing.

The space industry in Australia has sat up and taken note with 18 industry partners already on board and more to join the iLAuNCH program.

The Trailblazer Universities Program includes the opportunity for participating universities to partner with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, to access specialist equipment and expertise to support the delivery of their projects.

iLAuNCH will connect with advanced materials and manufacturing training centres to deliver tailored apprenticeships and training programs suited to the space manufacturing industry, which will also benefit the aerospace industry.

Job-ready skills will be developed for the space sector. By facilitating career pathways into space engineering, iLAuNCH will leverage the educational expertise of the three universities and industry partners.

Together we can embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future of space and create a legacy that will benefit generations to come.

Professor Geraldine Mackenzie is vice-chancellor of the University of Southern Queensland.