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In a major boost for space research and development in Adelaide, the University of South Australia (UniSA) has inaugurated a new Advanced Manufacturing facility and announced substantial industry investment in four space research projects under the iLAuNCH Trailblazer initiative. These projects have collectively attracted over AU$ 18 million in cash funding, highlighting UniSA’s crucial role in advancing the South Australian space industry through robust commercial partnerships.
The Advanced Manufacturing Metal 3D printing facility was officially opened by South Australia’s Deputy Premier. This state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionise the industry by enabling rapid 3D printing of metals essential for space structures, including machines capable of printing titanium and nickel alloys, which are critical in space technologies.
The first four projects announced under the iLAuNCH programme include:
Additive Manufacture of Space Components Using Electron Beam Melting: Alongside its industry partner, this project focuses on using advanced additive manufacturing techniques to produce space components.
Additive Manufacture of Novel Materials for Optical Components and Satellite Sub-assemblies: This project aims to develop new materials and manufacturing processes for critical optical components and satellite sub-assemblies
Development of an AI/ML-enabled Space Surveillance System for Hypersonic Missile Defence: This project aims to create an advanced space surveillance system leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance hypersonic missile defence capabilities.
Development and Flight Qualification for an Australian Radioisotope Heating Unit (RHU): This project seeks to develop a thermal management technology platform to support lunar night survival through the flight qualification of an Australian RHU.
The Deputy Premier emphasised the significance of transitioning from resource-intensive manufacturing to more research-driven and energy-efficient processes. She stated that the 3D printing technology enables the swift production of custom-made parts and other space infrastructure, providing businesses with significant time and cost savings. She noted that the facility would strengthen a world-class sovereign manufacturing capability, create new jobs, and facilitate global exports in the space industry. Furthermore, it would enhance South Australia’s competitive manufacturing edge and meet a critical need in the growing space sector.
UniSA’s iLAuNCH lead Industry Professor highlighted the potential of the SA projects to expand and develop Australia’s space engineering ecosystem. He remarked that through collaboration and innovation, they aim to demonstrate how space-capable technologies can inspire the next generation of space engineers and achieve commercial success in the sector.
Additional projects focusing on Earth observation and optical communication are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The Executive Director of iLAuNCH noted that the Trailblazer programme represents a significant step forward in domestic space collaboration. He noted that South Australia is well-positioned to access the trillion-dollar global space ecosystem and that they are dedicated to commercialising world-class space technology through collaboration and focused efforts to seize this opportunity.
The iLAuNCH initiative is supported by AU$50 million from the Federal Government’s Trailblazer Universities Programme, which has a total budget of AU$362.5 million and is further backed by a cumulative investment of AU$180 million in industry research, commercialisation, and manufacturing. The programme is poised to transform Australia’s space sector by focusing on the development of commercially viable civil rockets, advanced rocket test and launch facilities, rapid satellite manufacturing, cutting-edge communication technologies, and integrated sensing systems.
Through these efforts, UniSA and its partners aim to position South Australia as a leader in the global space industry, fostering innovation and driving economic growth in the region.
