Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, The Hon Karen Andrews MP, and Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, The Hon Alan Tudge MP, announced $6 million for a Mission Control Centre and an additional $6 million for the establishment of a Space Discovery Centre.

The Mission Control Centre will be built at Lot Fourteen to complement the Australian Space Agency, which will soon move into the refurbished McEwin Building.

Minister Andrews explained that along with providing facilities to control small satellite missions, the Mission Control Centre will enable real-time control and testing and the accelerated development of Australian satellite technology.

“It will be available for use by space start-ups and small-to-medium enterprise space businesses, as well as research and educational institutions from across Australia.

“These investments will help the Australian Space Agency foster the growth of a globally competitive space industry, worth about US$345 billion.”

Minister Tudge noted that the Adelaide City Deal was providing funding for innovative projects and supporting job creation in South Australia, saying: “Adelaide has become a major centre for defence and space industries and this is another step in that direction.”

The Space Discovery Centre will provide STEM education, engagement and inspiration for young Australians, as well as activities such as mission simulation and training for tertiary education.

The establishment of the Australian Space Agency and investment in Australia’s space sector is part of a plan to further grow Australia’s economy, with the aim to triple the size of its space sector to $12 billion and create up to 20,000 new jobs by 2030.