Space
Investing in Space
South Australia’s involvement with space dates back to 1947 with the establishment of the Woomera Rocket Range. It is now home to leading-edge research and development in satellite and space technologies.
With over 80 space companies in Adelaide, South Australia has a dynamic domestic space ecosystem that includes notable private investors and companies. South Australia is home to some of the country’s most innovative start-ups, companies and research institutions that are developing new space technologies, and attracting global attention and investment.
The development of a strong and globally competitive space industry is in the national interest and South Australia strongly supports the Australian Space Agency goal of tripling the size of the space sector to $12bn and creating up to 20,000 jobs by 2030.
In addition to the headquarters of the Australian Space Agency, the Australian Government’s $245 million Smart Satellite Cooperative Research Centre is also headquartered in Adelaide at Lot Fourteen and brings together universities, government and private sector stakeholders, developing advanced telecommunications and Internet of Things connectivity, intelligence satellite systems and Earth observation next generation data services.
The South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC) aims to grow the space sector in South Australia, and delivers a Space Innovation Fund that is supporting the South Australian Space Scholarships program– providing emerging leaders the opportunity to increase their knowledge and experience and supporting the founders of new start-ups to nurture and grow ideas within the space sector.
SASIC has additionally developed the Space Incubator Program, Venture Catalyst Space which is delivered through the University of South Australia’s Innovation and Collaboration Centre (ICC). Venture Catalyst Space aims to support the founders of new start-ups and nurture and grow ideas within the space sector.
To learn more about how we can grow South Australia's industry, view the Space Industries Sector Strategy.
SASIC has additionally developed the Space Incubator Program, Venture Catalyst Space which is delivered through the University of South Australia’s Innovation and Collaboration Centre (ICC). Venture Catalyst Space aims to support the founders of new start-ups and nurture and grow ideas within the space sector.
To learn more about how we can grow South Australia's industry, view the Space Industries Sector Strategy.
Investment advantages
Investing in South Australia provides a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative space ecosystem that includes the Australian Space Agency, SmartSat CRC, future Space Discovery and Mission Control Centres, along with a thriving network of space startups and rapidly growing companies.
The Mission Control Centre is co-located with the Australian Space Agency at Lot Fourteen and a focal point for space missions in Australia. The Centre, developed by Australian company Saber Astronautics, provides the facilities for space start-ups, companies and researchers to control small satellite missions, enabling real-time control and testing and the accelerated development of Australian satellite technology.
The Space Discovery Centre is providing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, engagement and inspiration for young Australians, run by National Science and Technology Centre, Questacon.
Companies looking to establish in SA can take advantage of the Defence and Space Landing pad, conveniently co-located with the Space Innovation Precinct at Lot Fourteen. The Defence and Space Landing Pad provides relocating companies with affordable, short-term office facilities and relationship building opportunities. Pre-funded packages of up to $40,000 to access professional support and advice are available to eligible companies establishing in a new market or region through the South Australian Landing Pad program.
Companies looking to establish in SA can take advantage of the Defence and Space Landing pad, conveniently co-located with the Space Innovation Precinct at Lot Fourteen. The Defence and Space Landing Pad provides relocating companies with affordable, short-term office facilities and relationship building opportunities. Pre-funded packages of up to $40,000 to access professional support and advice are available to eligible companies establishing in a new market or region through the South Australian Landing Pad program.
Connected ecosystem
With an ecosystem of over 80 space-related organisations, home of the Australian Space Agency and innovation precinct in the heart of Adelaide at Lot Fourteen and high-tech rocket launch facilities across the state, South Australia is the centre of our national space industry.
South Australia’s dynamic industry sector is supported by a vibrant research and education sector in South Australia – including three local universities, two international universities and world-renowned national research centres, such as Defence Science and Technology Group, which actively contribute to the state’s innovation ecosystem.
Emerging technologies are changing our working models in areas like cyber-defence and artificial intelligence – and in this digital age, the same technology is increasingly being used across the space, defence, hi-tech and creative industries sectors.
Space Industry Value Chain
With an ecosystem of over 100 space-related organisations, home of the Australian Space Agency and innovation precinct in the heart of Adelaide at Lot Fourteen and hi-tech rocket launch facilities across the state, South Australia is the centre of our national space industry.
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Space Industry Value Chain
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Innovation precincts
Collaboration is in our DNA here in South Australia. You will have access to some of the best innovation precincts where high-profile businesses, academia, industry bodies and government are co-located and working together.
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Defence and Space Landing Pad
Provides companies relocating to South Australia with affordable, short-term office facilities and relationship building opportunities.
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Lot Fourteen
Lot Fourteen is a space that fosters collaboration and innovation across sectors and disciplines, including defence and space, artificial intelligence, digital health, machine learning and robotics, cyber security and creative industries.
Business clusters
Our industry clusters provide strong intellectual and research foundations, providing opportunities to share talent, technology and infrastructure.
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Australian Space Agency
Will provide the facilities for space start-ups, companies and researchers to control small satellite missions, enabling real-time control and testing and the accelerated development of Australian satellite technology.
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Australian Space Discovery Centre
The centre will open in 2021 and provide science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, engagement and inspiration for young Australians.
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Mission Control Centre
A focal point for space missions in Australia, providing real-time control and testing.
Primary contact
Help for investing in South Australia's Space sector
Tiffany Katchmar
Director, Defence and Space
Working nationally and internationally with leading companies in the space industry to develop partnership, export and investment opportunities.
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