The University of South Australia (UniSA) has opened a new advanced manufacturing facility this week. The Deputy Premier of South Australia, Susan Close MP, officially opened the advanced manufacturing metal 3D printing facility located at Stärke-AMG group’s VPG Innovation in Adelaide’s Camden Park on July 23, 2024.
“This 3D printing technology makes it possible to rapidly manufacture custom-made parts and other space infrastructure that can save businesses time and cost,” said the deputy premier. The facility will support a sovereign manufacturing capability that will create new jobs and lead to global exports within the space industry. It will add to our state’s competitive manufacturing advantage and will fill a critical gap in the burgeoning space sector.”
Additionally, UniSA has revealed industry investment totalling AUD18 million in four space research projects under the iLAuNCH Trailblazer. Those four UniSA projects include:
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Additive manufacture of space components using electron beam melting. Industry partners: VPG Innovation, a part of Starke-AMG.
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Additive manufacture of novel materials for optical components and satellite sub-assemblies. Industry partners: SMR Automotive Australia and VPG Innovation.
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Development of an AI/ML-enabled space surveillance system for hypersonic missile defence. Industry Partners: Northrop Grumman and Spiral Blue.
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Development and flight qualification for an Australian radioisotope heating unit (RHU), supporting a thermal management technology platform for multiple lunar night survival. Industry Partners: entX.
iLAuNCH says additional projects in areas such as Earth observation and optical communication will be announced in the coming weeks.
The University Trailblazer program works to advance the translation and commercialisation of academic research at speed and scale. The program focuses on developing commercially viable civil rockets, advanced rocket test and launch facilities, rapid satellite manufacturing, communication technologies, and integrated sensing systems.
“We are focussed on commercialising our world-class space technology through collaboration and focussed effort,” said iLAuNCH Executive Director Darin Lovett.
“Our government is committed to supporting collaborative initiatives, such as the iLAuNCH Trailblazer, which are set to produce innovative solutions that bolster our nation’s space exploration capabilities, create more employment opportunities and grow our economy,” said Federal Assistant Minister for Education, Senator Anthony Chisholm. “It’s excellent to see our universities working with industry partners to advance the space manufacturing sector by investing in technologies that are developed by Australians and commercialised through local company partnerships.”
