Launching the Territory into the Billion dollar space industry
Australia’s first commercial sub-orbital rocket was launched in Queensland on Wednesday (21 November), bearing the Territory’s Boundless Possible livery. The launch is a test for permanent launches from the Territory.
The Northern Territory has made significant inroads in developing a space industry in the Territory with Australia’s first commercial space launch facility in Arnhem Land.
The Territory Labor Government has partnered with Black Sky Launch Aerospace, a key customer of Equatorial Launch Australia (who are developing Australia’s first commercial space launch facility in Arnhem Land) to launch the rocket in Tarawera, Queensland.
The space industry has emerged as one of the most dynamic and fastest growing sectors of the world economy and the development of the space industry in the Territory will help to diversify the Northern Territory economy and unlock new business and investment opportunities.
Black Sky Aerospace will use the launch to test new technologies and make sure it has the correct processes and procedures in place before commencing larger launches in the Northern Territory.
Along with Boundless Possible, Black Sky Aerospace have incorporated an Aboriginal painting by artist Dorothy Djakangu Yunupingu on the cone of the rocket. The painting called Djulpan tells the story of the seven sisters – the constellation of Djulpan, or Pleiades. The sisters appear at certain times of the year, an indication that the season is right for gathering particular foods.
Equatorial Launch Australia is in partnership with the Gumatj Corporation Limited, and with the support of Developing East Arnhem Limited and the Northern Territory Government, are progressing the development of the Arnhem Space launch facility.
In 2017, the Northern Territory Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South Australian and Australian Capital Territory Governments to support the growth of the Australian Space Industry.
Globally the space industry is worth around $300 billion.
Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner said there is enormous potential in the space industry and the Territory is ideally positioned to take advantage of it, to create the jobs of the future for locals.
“Today’s launch is a great example of business, industry and government working together to grow a new and exciting industry in Australia,” Mr Gunner.
“We now look forward to the second launch by Black Sky Aerospace, which will be right here in the Territory in 2019.
“The Space industry is a great match for the Territory – innovation, determination and vision are core Territory traits, and the development of the industry complements the Territory’s existing growth sectors of defence, agribusiness, energy and minerals, and tourism.”
Gumatj Corporation Chief Executive Officer Klaus Helms said the launch is another milestone in this development and we look forward to seeing further progress on the Arnhem Space Centre in the new year.
“We are excited about our ongoing partnership with the Northern Territory Government and Equatorial Launch Australia, which sees us at the forefront of developing a new industry for our region, for the Territory and for Australia.”
