
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews has announced $11 million worth of grants to support the growth of Australia’s space sector and create local jobs, including improving GPS technology and the design of innovative spacesuits that will make spacewalking easier.
Industry, Science and Technology Minister, Karen Andrews said the 10 projects sharing in $11 million would boost jobs and skills in the space sector, and contribute to the nation’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The space industry is a key growth sector that will form an important part of our economic recovery and help us emerge from the COVID-19 crisis stronger than ever," Minister Andrews said.
"Investment in the space sector not only supports the creation of high tech jobs here in Australia, but also develops technologies that can support other areas of competitive advantage for our nation including agriculture and mining.
"This support will strengthen Australian business and university connections with international industry and space agencies, helping our businesses to prove themselves on the global stage and potentially secure more work in the future," Minister Andrews explained.
Dr Megan Clark AC, head of the Australian Space Agency, said the projects showed Australia’s ability to develop highly advanced technology, diversify our economy and build workforce skills to participate internationally.
The 10 projects include:
"These outstanding projects demonstrate the breadth and quality that our small and medium sized companies and researchers have to offer, from space suits to advanced chip manufacturing," Dr Clark said.
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