Sovereign launch research set to take off

Joint media release with the Assistant Minister for Science, Jobs and Innovation, the Hon Zed Seselja MP and the Minister for Communications and the Arts, the Hon Mitch Fifield MP.

Launching satellites could soon become a reality in Australia with Assistant Minister for Science, Jobs and Innovation, Zed Seselja, today announcing Government support for Australian based research into rocket propulsion technology.

The Responsive Access to Space project will receive almost $3 million under the fifth round of the Cooperative Research Centre Projects (CRC-P) Program, and has attracted in excess of $10 million of cash and in-kind contributions from industry and university stakeholders.

The project aims to develop a flight ready Rotating Detonation Engine by applying new thermal management techniques and advanced control of inlet, injection and fuel mixing processes, to create the opportunity for sovereign space launch capability.

This research collaboration, led by DefendTex Pty Ltd, includes RMIT University, University of Sydney, University of South Australia, Universitat de Bundeswehr, Defence Science and Technology Group and Innosync Pty Ltd.

Assistant Minister Seselja said the investment in this research was another indicator of the Government’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting science and research in Australia.

“The CRC Program is at the heart of the Government’s commitment to supporting innovation, and industry-research collaboration in Australia.

“The research outcomes for the Responsive Access to Space Project have the potential to give Australia access to an efficient and cost effective Low Earth Orbit Launch Capability, presenting the opportunity for satellites to be launched from Australia,” Assistant Minister Seselja said.

Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator Michaelia Cash said the investment builds on the Coalition’s $41 million commitment over the next four years to kick-start the Australian Space Agency.

“With the access to the global space economy that our Agency will facilitate, we could potentially triple the size of our current domestic industry – to around $12 billion by 2030 – and create up to 20,000 new jobs for Australians,” Minister Cash said.

Senator for Victoria, Minister Mitch Fifield said Government support for research in Victoria was good for jobs and Australia’s future space industry.

“Seventy per cent of the Responsive Access to Space Project will be undertaken here in Victoria. We are investing in our local businesses, like DefendTex, to undertake globally competitive research, support local jobs, and retain high-level jobs here in Australia,” Minister Fifield said.

Media contacts:

Minister Cash's office 02 6277 7320

Assistant Minister Seselja's office 02 6277 3187

Minister Fifield's office 02 6277 7480