In a big win for space research and development in Adelaide, the University of South Australia (UniSA) today opened a brand new Advanced Manufacturing facility and revealed significant industry investment in four space research projects under the iLAuNCH Trailblazer. These groundbreaking ventures have attracted over $18 million in cash funding, underscoring UniSA’s pivotal role in advancing the South Australian space industry through strong commercial partnerships. 

The Deputy Premier of South Australia, the Honourable Susan Close MP, officially opened the Advanced Manufacturing Metal 3D printing facility, located at Stärke-AMG group’s VPG Innovation, in Adelaide’s Camden Park. This cutting-edge facility will support the industry with rapid 3D printing of metals for space structures. These machines are capable of printing Titanium and Nickel alloys that are crucial in space technologies.

Minister Susan Close says that “As we transition from resource-intensive manufacturing to more research-driven and energy efficient processes, we will produce more high-value products. This 3D printing technology makes it possible to rapidly manufacture custom-made parts and other space infrastructure that can save businesses time and cost.  

The facility will support a world-class sovereign manufacturing capability that will create new jobs and lead to global exports within the space industry. It will add to our state’s competitive manufacturing advantage and will fill a critical gap in the burgeoning space sector.” 

Australia is set to strengthen its role in the global space economy, drive innovation, and cultivate a new generation of space leaders through enhanced collaboration in space research. The University Trailblazer program aims to advance the translation and commercialisation of academic research, paving the way for groundbreaking developments. iLAuNCH is spearheading a cultural shift within universities by promoting closer collaboration between academia and industry.  

UniSA iLAuNCH lead Professor Colin Hall commented. “This unique initiative represents a real opportunity for Australia to expand and develop our space engineering ecosystem.” 

“Through collaboration and innovation, we will demonstrate how space capable technologies can inspire the next generation of space engineers and realise a commercial outcome in this sector.” 

The first four UniSA projects that have been announced under the iLAuNCH program include: 

• Additive Manufacture of space components using Electron Beam Melting 
  Industry Partners: VPG Innovation, a part of Starke-AMG
   

• Additive Manufacture of novel materials for optical components, satellite sub-assemblies
  Industry Partners: SMR Automotive Australia and VPG Innovation
   

• Development of an AI/ML-enabled space surveillance system for hypersonic missile defence 
  Industry Partners: Northrop Grumman and Spiral Blue
   

• Development and flight qualification for an Australian Radioisotope Heating Unit (RHU), supporting a thermal management technology platform for multiple lunar night survival
  Industry Partners: entX 

Additional projects in areas such as Earth observation and optical communication will be announced in coming weeks.  

iLAuNCH Executive Director Darin Lovett said the Trailblazer program takes domestic space collaboration to a new level. 

“South Australia is primed to launch into a trillion-dollar global space ecosystem,” Mr Lovett said. 

“To seize the opportunity, we are focussed on commercialising our world class space technology through collaboration and focussed effort.” 

Federal Assistant Minister for Education, Senator Anthony Chisholm, said that iLAuNCH is bringing together world-class researchers from the University of Southern Queensland, the Australian National University, and the University of South Australia with industry partners to help build Australia’s sovereign space capabilities.   

“Our government is committed to supporting collaborative initiatives, such as the iLAuNCH Trailblazer, which are set to produce innovative solutions that bolster our nation’s space exploration capabilities, create more employment opportunities and grow our economy,” Assistant Minister Chisholm said.  

“It’s excellent to see our universities working with industry partners to advance the space manufacturing sector by investing in technologies that are developed by Australians and commercialised through local company partnerships.” 

Backed by $50 million from the Australian Government’s Trailblazer Universities Program, which boasts a total of $362.5 million, and further supported by a cumulative investment of $180 million in industry research, commercialisation, and manufacturing, iLAuNCH is set to revolutionise Australia’s space sector. The program focuses on developing commercially viable civil rockets, advanced rocket test and launch facilities, rapid satellite manufacturing, cutting-edge communication technologies, and integrated sensing systems. 

These pioneering efforts are poised to secure Australia’s position at the forefront of the global space industry, ensuring the success and sustainability of future space missions.  

The program’s comprehensive training, education, and outreach programs will help build the workforce of the future. Its commercialisation branch will translate research outcomes into commercially viable products, enhancing Australia’s sovereign space capability and establishing an industry capable of delivering products to the international market.