The funding package includes $4 million for the Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE) consortium and $2.5 million for Curtin University’s Binar Space Program, strengthening Western Australia’s role in Australia’s growing space economy.
The investment will support the development of advanced technologies with applications both on Earth and beyond, including autonomous systems, satellite operations, scientific research and future space exploration missions.
Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson said the funding would help position Western Australia as a key contributor to the global space sector.
“The Cook government is again looking to the stars with this latest funding boost to our ever-growing space industry,” Minister Dawson said.
“Western Australia has the geography, expertise and ambition to be a key player in the space sector, and we’re making sure the right settings are in place to support long-term growth.”
AROSE, a Perth-based industry-led consortium, is developing world-leading remote operations capability by leveraging Western Australia’s expertise in operating complex systems across remote environments. Its technologies have potential applications across industries, including resources, defence, agriculture and future lunar exploration.
Curtin University’s Binar Space Program is continuing to develop locally designed and built small satellites while providing hands-on training for the next generation of Australian engineers, researchers and space professionals.
Minister Dawson said continued investment in these programs would help strengthen Western Australia’s sovereign capability and diversify the state’s economy.
“Continuing to co-invest in both AROSE and the Binar Space Program is a clear display of our government’s commitment to enhancing our local space industry capability,” he said.
“The space industry is one of the identified sectors under Diversify WA, and it is through investments such as this that we are able to continue diversifying and future-proofing the WA economy.”
The funding builds on Western Australia’s growing reputation as a hub for space innovation, with the state’s strengths in remote operations, advanced manufacturing, research and resources technology providing a foundation for future commercial and defence space capabilities.
As global demand increases for sovereign space systems, satellite services and autonomous technologies, Western Australia is positioning itself as a key player in Australia’s space future.
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