DISER invests $23.6M in Australian Satellite Manufacturing Hub

The Australian federal Government will invest $23.6 million in the $71.4 million Australian Satellite Manufacturing Hub, jointly led by Electro Optic Systems (EOS) and Nova Systems. This will see manufacturing facilities built at the South Jerrabomberra Innovation Precinct outside Canberra and UTS Tech Lab at the Sydney Innovation and Technology Precinct based in Botany, NSW.

The government of New South wales is also investing $22.86 million in the project that will position the state as a global leader in the advanced manufacturing field.

Partnering with Gilmour Space Technologies, the Hub will become home to the local design, manufacture and testing of large satellites up to 500 kilograms.

Federal Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Morrison Government has been working hard to triple the size of the local space sector by 2030 to $12 billion which will create 20,000 new jobs.

“Funding for the Australian Satellite Manufacturing Hub will further help lift our credentials as a leading space nation,” Minister Taylor said.

“This Hub will help grow capability in our space sector, support the development of new high-skilled jobs and enable the space supply chain a place where collaboration to build large satellites is right here at home.”

Senator for NSW Jim Molan said the project reinforced the Morrison Government’s commitment to securing Australia’s sovereign capability, as well as creating jobs.

“This project will create the foundation of industry know-how for more complex space missions in the future,” Senator Molan said. “That means more knowledge and expertise and more local jobs right here in Eden-Monaro in this critical industry.”

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government is also investing in the project to help position the state as a global leader in the manufacturing field.

“The manufacturing facility will be located within the South Jerrabomberra Regional Jobs Precinct, positioning it as one of the State’s major defence, space and cyber-security jobs precinct,” Mr Toole said.

NSW Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said that as part of the project a dedicated R&D facility will be developed at the UTS Tech lab adjacent to Sydney’s Tech Central which will foster collaboration across academia, industry and our growing skilled workforce.

“This project will enhance our manufacturing capabilities, drive commercialisation of space R&D and act as a catalyst for investment in priority space and defence sectors,” he said.

The 2022-23 Budget demonstrated the ongoing commitment to manufacturing with an additional $1 billion for the Australian Government’s Modern Manufacturing Strategy, including an extra $750 million for the Modern Manufacturing Initiative.

The global space sector is expected to grow from US$350 billion to US$1 trillion by 2040.