Government lobbying for new space role

THE Territory might have missed out on hosting the headquarters of the Australian Space Agency, but the NT Government is lobbying for a “space node” to be established in Darwin to help the fledgling industry achieve lift off.

As part of its Territory Space Industry 2020 plan, the NT Government wants Darwin to act as a space industry and innovation hub, and to host industry forums.

Australia’s space industry is expected to grow to be worth $12 billion and employ 20,000 people by 2029.

Late last year, Adelaide won the race to host the Australian Space Agency but Chief Minister Michael Gunner said there were still opportunities for the Territory to make an impact as a launch site.

“We are perfectly positioned to benefit from the space economy as our proximity to the equator makes it easier for rockets to move outside Earth’s gravitational pull, saving fuel,” he said.

We’re not prone to earthquakes. We’re close to the sea and sparsely populated areas, and we have good weather.

“The prospect of a growing space industry is an exciting one. It will provide jobs for the future, create additional revenue streams and investment.”

Private company Equatorial Launch Australia is working to establish Australia’s first commercial launch facility near Nhulunbuy, in partnership with the Gumatj Corporation. the company already has about a dozen clients signed up.