Space Sector

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (15:14): My question is to the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Will the minister update the chamber on recent developments in the South Australian space sector?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (15:14): I thank the honourable member for his question and his ongoing interest in the space sector. South Australia is, without a doubt, the space industry hub of Australia with the Australian Space Agency headquarters, Mission Control, Southern Launch and Fleet Space, etc., all choosing to invest in South Australia and establish a presence here.

The South Australian government, through collaboration with the Department for Trade, Tourism and Investment, has worked closely with the South Australian-owned space start-up Southern Launch, which is developing an orbital rocket launch site at Whaler's Way near Port Lincoln. Southern Launch chief executive, Mr Lloyd Damp, and Perigee chief executive, Mr Yoon Shin, signed a launch facilities agreement on 30 September at Australia's first joint Space Science and Space Industry Conference, incorporating the 8^th Space Forum.

Perigee Aerospace is a South Korean orbital launch vehicle manufacturer. The company plans to use the Southern Launch site for its small launch vehicle, Blue Whale, which is designed to lift small satellites into low orbits. These small satellites are useful for satellite imaging, remote sensing, weather forecasting and a range of other activities.

The conference was an ideal platform for networking across the rapidly growing industry and made clear the increasing interest in the space industry from local, interstate and international players. Another international company that has decided to make Adelaide its headquarters and home is the leading US space company Terran Orbital Corporation and their new subsidiary Tyvak International. The company is establishing a manufacturing facility for the integration and testing of space vehicles.

Tyvak is not only reinforcing South Australia's position as a national hub of the space industry but also plans to grow its workforce to some 30 people over the next two years. There is no denying that South Australia is Australia's home of space and defence. Interstate and international interest in South Australia continues to grow, with both these international companies choosing to invest in South Australia. I look forward to seeing the progression of these companies and how they can contribute to grow the South Australian space sector.