KAREN’S $3.5M PLEDGE TO FIRE UP SPACE RACE

FEDERAL Science Minister Karen Andrews has pledged $3.5 million to boost one of the city’s growing industries.

The McPherson MP, who is fighting to win a fourth term in Parliament representing the southern Gold Coast, announced yesterday the Federal Government would fund a space payload qualification facilities project to grow local space capabilities as well as exploring Australia’s growing readiness in launch capability.

The project will investigate the economic and policy issues posed by a domestic small launch capability as well as compliance with international obligations, national legislation and risk.

Ms Andrews has long championed the city’s space industry and is impressed with the work of locally based Gilmour Space Technologies.

“The project would be open to those who could support the development of spacecraft qualification facility,” she said.

“I’m particularly interested to see the progress Gilmour’s made with their One Vision hybrid rocket, ground control station and launch system.”

Member for Forde Bert van Manen, Member for McPherson Karen Andrews, Moncrieff candidate Angie Bell, and Gilmour Space Technologies founder and CEO Adam Gilmour.