French and Australian space agencies announce new collaboration

The new Australian Space Agency and its French counterpart have announced plans to work together to take full advantage of the rapidly expanding global space industry.

Both agencies have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop their respective space programs. The Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, welcomed the agreement signed on 1 September by the Head of the Australian Space Agency, Dr Megan Clark AC, and Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) President, Dr Jean-Yves Le Gall.

The agreement will help both countries join forces to develop their space capabilities, particularly in the areas of space operations, space science, Earth observation, positioning system and communications.

“This strategic association between the Australian and French governments’ space agencies will help our nations’ universities, research institutions, businesses and communities work together across a range of fields,” Minister Andrews said.

“It builds on an existing track record of cooperation between CNES and Australia, and allows both countries to embark on an ambitious partnership,” she said.

The first steps are already underway, with CNES partnering with UNSW Canberra Space for the development of the Australian National Concurrent Design Facility (ANCDF) for the development of world class space missions, and for studies towards the development of satellite technologies with advanced sensors and on-board processing and intelligence.

This facility will fast-track Australia’s ability to deliver world-class space technology, provide a boost to economic growth and jobs in Australia, and support future joint missions.

Dr Clark said the signing of the agreement represented the start of the Australian Space Agency’s journey with fellow spacefaring nations.

“Civil space engagement initiatives like this with the French Space Agency will explore advanced space technology and applications used in earth observation and remote sensing with high-altitude balloons and satellites, space operations and joint missions,” Dr Clark said.

CNES President Jean-Yves Le Gall also welcomed the agreement.

“Today CNES proudly becomes the Australian Space Agency’s very first international partner. Australia’s amazing ramp-up shows the now crucial importance of space for our economies. The joint projects coming out of today’s agreement will ultimately bring growth and jobs both in Australia and in France.”

Victoria steps up campaign to host agency

The Andrews Government is stepping up its campaign for Victoria to host the Australian Space Agency by releasing the Victoria: The Place for Space proposal.

The Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll visited Opaque Media Group – one of the 250 Victorian companies involved in the space industry – to launch the proposal, which forms part of Victoria’s bid for the agency.

Victoria: The Place for Space highlights Victoria’s space credentials – including the fact that the industry employs around 2,300 people and generates more than $400 million in revenue for the Victorian economy every year.

Victoria has an extensive aerospace sector – including world-class research and development centres, seven engineering schools, leading space data analytic capabilities and superior advanced manufacturing expertise.

Victoria is also a leader in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education, from the Victorian Space Science Education Centre to Australia’s top engineering and technology universities.

Major Australian space-related science and technology companies are based in Victoria, including Lockheed Martin, Thales, Boeing and BAE Systems and our international network of Trade and Investment Offices will ensure that the biggest industry names continue to invest in Victoria.

The size of Victoria’s space industry and our expertise in advanced manufacturing and research and development make Victoria the perfect location to base the manufacturing and development functions of the agency.

Australia’s space sector is expected to triple over the next decade, meaning Victoria’s space sector could potentially create up to 4,000 new jobs and boost the economy by $1.3 billion.

Opaque has developed the award-winning virtual reality Earthlight spacewalk which simulates repair missions on the International Space Station – in consultation with NASA who now use the program to train its astronauts.

Opaque Media Group also provides virtual reality training programs for Boeing and will benefit from a grant from the Labor Government’s Defence Industry Supply Chain Program to help the business secure more high value contracts in aerospace, defence and national security.

The state’s Minister for Industry and Employment, Ben Carroll, argues that “Our bid for the Australian Space Agency is all about Victorian Jobs and the future of our economy.”

“We’re already a leader in aerospace research and development – which makes us an obvious choice to help coordinate national and international collaboration on space.”

“Companies like Opaque Media Group who have worked in collaboration with NASA are another example of the specialist expertise we have in Victoria and sets us apart from the rest of the pack.”