The federal government continues to bolster its support for the local space industry, awarding a further $3 million in funding under the Moon to Mars initiative to help space businesses break into international supply chains.
The funding comes from Round 3 of the Supply Chain Capability Improvement grants, which will support four local companies.
Acting Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Angus Taylor said the grants will strengthen Australia’s space manufacturing base, while also boosting the economy and creating new high-skilled jobs.
“The space sector is one of our six National Manufacturing Priorities and these grants directly contribute to building the skills and capabilities of Australian space businesses so they can scale up their operations and become competitive in global markets,” Minister Taylor said.
Related: Federal gov’t opens $800m funding for major manufacturing projects
“The grants also provide a tangible opportunity for Australian businesses to support the transformation of our space industry and contribute to projects that will support NASA’s Moon to Mars program,” he said.
The four recipients of the Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement grants are launch service provider Gilmour Space Technologies, high-tech electronics manufacturer Crystalaid Manufacture, propellant manufacturer and launch service company Black Sky Aerospace, and satellite-manufacturing firm Inovor Technologies.
Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo said these projects again demonstrate the incredible opportunities that are present at the intersection of space and manufacturing.
“Space and manufacturing go hand-in-hand and these projects are leveraging that relationship to drive economic growth and create jobs here in Australia,” Palermo said.
“With this support, these Australian companies will be able to expand their capability and tap into new supply chains around the world – which adds up to opportunities here at home,” he said.
Applications for the Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement program are open until 1 May 2023, with offered grants between $250,000 and $1 million.
Source: The Hon Angus Taylor MP media releases