Watch this space … it’s growing
THE Gold Coast may be best known for its golden beaches, high-rise developments and theme parks. But a new industry is emerging out of the city’s advanced manufacturing sector that could be the diversification it is looking for. From my office today, I see two teams of engineers testing space systems and components that will be integrated into our orbital rocket, Eris, which we plan to launch to orbit in 2022. Next door, our technicians are discussing the finer points of a new turbopump we’re developing with researchers from the University of Queensland. And in about 15 minutes, some of our managers will be kicking off a meeting with Griffith University to define the requirements of a new 100kg satellite that could help solve a uniquely Australian problem from space. Just another morning at Gilmour Space Technologies’ small rocket facility on the Gold Coast. People often ask me why we chose to set up a rocket company at one of Australia’s most famous tourist destinations. After all, South Australia has a more focused strategy for building a new space industry and NSW is home to most of the country’s financiers and venture capital firms.
On a personal level, there is something to be said about living the life of your dreams. On a business level, however, it is very important we have been able to attract the talent we need – from across Queensland and Australia, and as far away as the US, Italy and Spain – to work on our innovative, advanced rocket technologies here. Capital can be raised from all over the world. But lack of infrastructure remains a challenge. The next year will see us setting up a small rocket engine test site, hopefully here, as well as a significant Advanced Manufacturing Rocket Facility with the capacity to manufacture up to 12 rockets a year by 2024.
With steady progress and continued state government support for an orbital launch site at Abbot Point, it would be a proud day for all Australians to see rockets (developed and built here on the Coast) launched off Queensland’s new Space Coast in 2022. Space is a growing industry creating highvalue jobs, developing innovative technologies, bringing in diversified revenues and investments, advancing our sovereign manufacturing capability, and impacting all industries in Australia.