Technologies that aim to enhance our space-based defence surveillance capabilities, improve the performance of computers in space and deliver sovereign production of communication systems are among projects funded under a landmark new program.
The NSW Space Research Network (SRN) will fund seven projects through its first
Research Pilot Program, with two additional projects receiving seed funding. Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said NSW already has an incredible depth of talent in the space industry and this investment will accelerate local R&D opportunities.
“With many industries looking to increase their output and improve efficiency through
space-enabled technologies, the value of the global space sector is forecast to reach
more than US$1 trillion by 2040,” Mr Henskens said.
“Collaboration between government, industry and our universities is essential to
successful commercialisation of our world leading research. This investment is
another example of our commitment to turbocharging local R&D opportunities so that
our State remains at the forefront of this innovative and rapidly growing industry.”
The SRN is a university-led initiative, funded by the NSW Government, designed to
enhance the local space industry through collaboration with government and
academic research institutions.
NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the SRN was at
the forefront of NSW’s push to play a significant role in the global space industry.
“NSW boasts world-leading space R&D, and is home to the largest concentration of
space-related activity in Australia, with more than 40 per cent of the country’s space
businesses and more than a third of its space startups,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.
SRN co-director Professor Stefan Williams from The University of Sydney said the
Network will develop and support a comprehensive strategy to grow space research
and industry capacity within NSW.
“This will be achieved through a focus on supporting collaborative projects, knowledge
exchange, educational opportunities and community outreach,” Prof. Williams said.