Space Machines Company (SMC) and the NSW Government have partnered to establish Bradfield as a manufacturing hub for critical space infrastructure like satellites.
“This is a direct example of how scaling and retaining innovative businesses strengthens NSW’s economy, driving job creation, building resilience and ensuring the state is globally competitive," Minister for Industry and Trade, Anoulack Chanthivong, said.
“While early-stage businesses play an important role in our innovation ecosystem, NSW must retain these businesses as they grow, maximising their direct and spillover benefits.
“Once they achieve scale, businesses like Space Machines Company can help deliver significant economic returns and substantial export income, attract world-leading talent, and contribute to a robust local innovation ecosystem."
The Rapid Australian Production & Integration for Distributed Space (RAPID) agreement, will bring advanced space technology manufacturing to Western Sydney.
“Western Sydney is the ideal location to establish Australia’s sovereign space manufacturing capability. Through our partnership with BDA and the AMRF, we are not just building satellites – we’re creating the critical infrastructure that will safeguard space for Australia and our allies," Chief Executive Officer of Space Machines Company, Rajat Kulshrestha, stated.
“As space becomes increasingly contested, having sovereign manufacturing capability ensures we can both defend our interests and protect the space-based systems that underpin our modern way of life.“
SMC will commence manufacturing projects at the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility’s (AMRF) this year, with the aim to develop hyperscale production capability to produce satellites which are used to repair other satellites in long term orbit.
It is expected the AMRF will support SMC to initially produce more than 30 units annually, with production expected to scale up to hundreds of units per year by 2030.
The RAPID agreement also prioritises the development of a shared roadmap to build sovereign space manufacturing capability, open new market opportunities, and align with the strategic objectives of both the Australian and NSW Governments.