Australia’s first Mission Control Centre is one step closer to lift off with local company Saber Astronautics chosen to establish the state-of-the-art space hub in Adelaide.
Saber will receive $6 million from the Federal Government to establish the facility, while the SA Government will invest $2.5 million through the Adelaide City Deal – a 10-year agreement between the Australian and SA Governments and the City of Adelaide.
The Mission Control Centre will provide facilities for space businesses and researchers to control satellite and space missions, and include a live link to the International Space Station so visitors can watch astronauts on-board.
Head of the Australian Space Agency Megan Clark said the centre would become a focal point for Australia’s national space activities.
“The centre will be available for use by start-ups and SMEs, as well as research and educational institutions to control space assets. It will also be used for real-time testing and fast-tracking the improvement of satellite technology,” Clark said.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Mission Control Centre would help grow Australia’s space sector, which will be an important part of our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“People may question why focus on space when things are so tough here on Earth, but this is about investing in our future and developing an emerging industry which can grow our economy and create new jobs,” Minister Andrews said. “The Mission Control Centre will support the creation of high-tech jobs and boost the growth of space-based communication technologies and services sectors.
SA Premier Steven Marshall said Mission Control will cement SA as a global leader in the booming space industry.
“Our state is at the heart of the nation’s endeavour to triple the size of the Australian space sector by 2030, creating thousands of jobs,” Premier Marshall said.
The Mission Control Centre will be located at the Australian Space Agency’s headquarters at Lot Fourteen in Adelaide. It is due to launch alongside the Space Discovery Centre, an interactive educational facility, in early 2021.