Airbus to build satellites at Adelaide’s Australian Space Park

The largest aeronautics and space company in Europe, Airbus, will be the first prime to invest and engage with Australia’s space sector through a dedicated assembly and integration (AI) presence at Adelaide’s new Australian Space Park.

A global pioneer in the manufacturing and delivery of aerospace products, services and solutions, Airbus says South Australia is the burgeoning hub for Australia’s space industry and is the natural choice for Airbus to set up a Space Assembly and Integration presence in the country, according to a media announcement by the South Australian Department for Trade and Investment.

Airbus Defence and Space Ltd Managing Director, Richard Franklin, says Airbus’ investment will significantly expand Australia’s sovereign satellite manufacturing capability, enabling the production of satellites up to 300kg – a big step in terms of scale and sophistication of satellites being assembled in Australia.

“Our vision for this facility is to provide a national asset to support the Australian Government’s wider strategic aspiration to build a sustainable space industry,” he said.

The Australian Space Park will be the nation’s first dedicated space manufacturing hub and, once in operation, will boost space manufacturing capability and capacity within a purpose-built facility.

Airbus’s commitment to the Australian Space Park will elevate the status of South Australia’s space industry and see small satellite assembly and integration occurring in South Australia for key Australian projects. On 20 July the Defence Science and technology group announced it had signed an agreement with Airbus to build two 150kg satellites based on the company’s Arrow 150 satellite bus; these will support DSTG’s Resilient Multi-Mission Space STarShot.

The Australian Space Park will provide the opportunity to construct a common user facility to support small satellite constellation manufacturing as well as other spacecraft and components. It will also help to support the national aim to triple space’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product to $12 billion by 2030.

Airbus’ commitment to joining the Australian Space Park with a Space Assembly and Integration presence will bring a wealth of experience, expertise and knowledge that can be transferred to local SMEs to further strengthen Australia’s sovereign capability.

Airbus’ involvement in the Australian Space Park will provide a platform for industry to scale its satellite manufacturing capabilities. Airbus aims to be a national asset for Australia to support the government’s wider strategic aspirations of a sustainable space industry.

Airbus will join other previously announced companies Fleet Space Technologies, Alauda Aeronautics, ATSpace and Q-CTRL at the Australian Space Park.