Australian satellite launch provider Gilmour Space Technologies on July 9 announced that it has forged a strategic partnership with leading Japanese space business integrator Space BD.
The deal will see Space BD offer dedicated and rideshare opportunities on Gilmour Space's Eris launch vehicles and ElaraSat platforms from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland, Australia, according to the joint press release.
Space BD, whose clients include commercial satellite operators, research institutions, and governmental agencies, has hitherto supported over 90 satellite projects and 600 space transport missions. Michelle Gilmour, Gilmour Space’s Director of Marketing and Communications, said partnering with Space BD could help further expand market opportunities for the Australian firm both in Japan and in the broader global space sector.
Speaking on factors motivating the decision to partner with Gilmour Space, Space BD representative Mako Fukoda told ADM that the Australian firm’s Bowen Orbital Spaceport (BOS) offers “distinct geographic and orbital advantages,” noting the launch site’s “unique ability to access low- to mid-inclination orbits.”
“BOS’ provides clients seeking flexible, dependable alternatives to the more congested launch providers,enabling Space BD to diversify its launch offerings and enhance overall resilience in the regional launch ecosystem,” Fukada said.
Founded in 2012, Gilmour Space Technologies is Australia’s leading provider of domestically produced launch vehicles and small satellite platforms.
The company’s advantages as a launch service provider include ownership of its own satellite, as well as the facility for integrating customer payloads into the company’s rockets.
Late last month ElaraSat, Gilmour Space’s first satellite bus, was successfully launched and deployed on the SpaceX Transporter-14. At the time of writing, the company planned to launch its Australian-made Eris rocket in July, which would mark the nation’s first orbital launch in over half a century.
The company has also recently launched a hypersonic flight test service for speeds above Mach 5 aimed at both defence and commercial customers.
The deal between the two companies comes against the backdrop of burgeoning defence and security ties between Australia and Japan, and deepening ties in the space sector. Late last year the Australian Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) - which together signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on Space in 2020 - cohosted the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) in Perth. In 2023 the two agencies formalised a partnership in relation to Japan’s Martian Moons eXploration (MMX mission), with the Australian agency announcing earlier this month that it is seeking submissions from potential Australian participants in the mission.
Gilmour Space’s partnership with Space BD could also potentially bring greater international attention to Australia’s space sector more broadly. “From Australia’s perspective, the collaboration contributes to the commercialization of domestic launch infrastructure and supports the continued growth and global relevance of its space industry,” Fukada explained.
“Australia is demonstrating strong momentum in its space sector, with significant investments from both the public and private sectors. Multiple launch facilities are under development, and international partnerships are actively forming. We believe Australia has the potential to become a leading hub for launch services, particularly in the southern hemisphere.”
In 2018 the Australian government launched the Australian Space Agency, whose mission is to coordinate civil space matters across government and support the growth and transformation of Australia’s space industry.”
Beginning on 29 September the agency, in conjunction with the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA), will co-host the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney, with this year’s event focused on the connection between space innovation and sustainability.