WA launches space industry strategy

The WA Government has announced the launch of the Western Australia Space Industry Strategy 2024–30, with a mission to drive continued growth of the state’s space sector to become a global hub.

Over the last four years, the state government has invested more than $95 million in supporting the space industry, as well as focusing on science, research and related activities. Science Minister Stephen Dawson said the state’s first space strategy will contribute to building the industry to generate more jobs and economic diversification.

“Western Australia is the ‘place for space’ and, through the launch of our new space industry strategy, we are focused on building this local industry into a globally recognised hub,” he said. “Our state already holds an important place in the global space economy, and we will use this strategy to create more opportunities to ensure WA remains on the forefront of the space race into the future.”

WA already hosts space infrastructure and activities, which include:

• Fugro’s Space Automation, AI and Robotics Control Complex (SpAARC)
• Ground infrastructure for five international space agencies, including two of the European Space Agency’s four deep space ground stations
• Co-hosting the $3 billion Square Kilometre Array, the largest radio telescope in the world
• The only commercial optical satellite communication ground network in the Southern Hemisphere
• The US–Australia space surveillance telescope and soon-to-be completed US deep space advanced radar capability.
   

There are more than 130 national and international organisations now operating space and space-related services in WA, with more than $1 billion being invested into the state’s space sector over the last six years.

“Growing the local space sector will also have enormous benefit for WA with advances in technology, data and services, leading to more innovations to improve environmental and community outcomes, boost productivity and enhance our everyday lives,” Dawson concluded.

Image credit: iStock.com/BlackJack3D