Written by staff writer.
The Australian government has announced 12 grants totalling over AUD9 million, which the Minister for Industry and Science says will assist Australian companies enter the global space race and potentially play a role in NASA’s Artemis missions.
The latest recipients from intakes eight to ten of the Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement Grants include well-known local companies such as Neumann Space and Gilmour Space Technologies, plus lessor-know entities.
NASA is targeting September 2025 to send a US-crewed spacecraft back to the Moon – the first in over half a century. The space agency also has a longer-term vision of sending humans to Mars. NASA has dubbed the program the Artemis missions.
The government says the grants will assist Australian businesses in building the capacity to deliver products and services into the space industry supply chains, including NASA’s Moon to Mars activities.
Head of the Australian Space Agency (ASA), Enrico Palermo, said the funding will help establish Australia’s niche in supporting big missions like the Moon to Mars project.
“Space is a global endeavour, and by working with our partners like NASA, we can create outcomes that benefit Australia while also contributing to solutions to global challenges,” he said.
The latest recipients include High Earth Orbit Robotics (AUD742,164); Neumann Space (AUD1 million); Arlula (AUD427,500); Quickstep Technologies Pty Ltd (AUD1 million); Human Aerospace (AUD493,799); P.W.R. Performance Products (AUD985,000); Nextaero (AUD1 million); Valiant Space (AUD841,875 and AUD934,500); Quantx Labs (AUD532,222); Vyom Tech (AUD250,000), and Gilmour Space Technologies (AUD808,500).
The grants are part of the Australian Space Agency’s AUD150 million Moon to Mars program launched in early 2021 under the previous Australian government. The program aims to highlight local know-how and capabilities that can support NASA’s plans.
The ASA program has three pillars, including the high-profile Trailblazer project. Last week’s funding announcements come under the supply chain pillar, designed to assist industries deliver products and services into global space supply chains.
Valiant Space received one of its two grants to address the growing space supply chain demand for reliable and high-quality fluid control components and the second grant to mature its expanded line of non-toxic thrusters that are designed to support space missions from cubesats to large interplanetary spacecraft.
Vyom Tech will use its funding to work on its Kosmosuit, which it calls “an integrated commercial spacesuit platform.” Vyom Tech will use the money to improve the suit’s readiness level, specifically to establish connectivity between the suit’s subsystems and the proprietary bioastronautics interface.
“These projects show the exceptional research and innovation that is happening in Australia’s space sector and how our companies can contribute on the global stage,” said Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic.
“The technologies and products being developed also have applications that can see us respond to important challenges and opportunities – from addressing climate change to driving growth in government priority areas like robotics, quantum and advanced manufacturing.”
Three companies – Nextaero, Quickstep Technologies, and Neumann Space received the maximum AUD1 million in funding permitted, while the smallest grant, AUD250,000, went to Vyom Tech for its ongoing work on the Kosmosuit.
