The agreement establishes a fully integrated, end-to-end pathway for microgravity research and flight missions while also strengthening collaboration between Australia and Europe.
Under the deal, Cambrian will act as SSC Space’s primary representative in the Australasian market, taking on the role of lead contractor for a wide range of microgravity missions. These include parabolic flights, suborbital rocket launches, high-altitude platforms and orbital research opportunities.
The partnership effectively creates a single-entry gateway for researchers and industry players across Australasia to access global microgravity capabilities. Cambrian will oversee mission design, payload integration and client delivery, while SSC Space contributes its established launch systems, infrastructure and engineering expertise.
Tiffany Sharp, Cambrian Defence & Space CEO and director of space, said the collaboration significantly lowers barriers to entry for organisations looking to leverage microgravity.
“Microgravity is now far more accessible to researchers, manufacturers and industries right across the board,” she said. “You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to unlock its potential for innovation and product development. By combining our capabilities with SSC Space’s decades of experience, we can offer a seamless pathway to space for Australian research and industry.”
SSC Space brings nearly 60 years of launch experience to the partnership, including operations at the Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden and its Suborbital Express sounding rocket program. The company provides end-to-end support, from payload design and integration through to launch and the return of research samples to Earth.
The collaboration means Australian organisations can now design and run experiments locally, with launch options available in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
Krister Sjölander, president of science services at SSC Space, said the partnership would help scale access to space-based research.
“By combining our flight heritage with Cambrian’s strong local presence, we’re creating a practical and scalable pathway for customers to access microgravity environments,” he said. “We’re excited to explore new scientific and commercial opportunities through this platform.”
The first mission under the agreement is slated for October 2026 and will support cancer research funded by the South Australian government through the South Australian Space Collaboration and Innovation Fund. The project will examine cancer stem cell behaviour in microgravity, research that cannot be replicated under Earth-bound conditions.
Further missions are planned throughout 2026 and 2027, spanning sectors such as life sciences, medical research, advanced materials, agriculture, retail and defence-related technologies. Cambrian also plans to introduce shared payload campaigns and cost-sharing models, making space research more accessible to first-time users, including universities and education providers.
The partnership reinforces South Australia’s growing reputation as a hub for space innovation, international collaboration and high-value research and development while strengthening ties between the Australian and Swedish space sectors.
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