Premier Roger Cook announced a $5 million commitment to Perth-based facility Fugro SpAARC.
The funding will bolster the complex’s operational capability for space missions, and help to attract experts from around the globe to WA, paving the way for Fugro SpAARC to support international space missions from Perth.
It will also strengthen Fugro SpAARC’s partnership with US company Intuitive Machines, who are supporting upcoming Moon missions under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative.
This latest co-investment in Fugro SpAARC is provided through the Cook Government’s Investment Attraction Fund, which invests in projects that encourage investment in WA, create local jobs and diversify the economy. The funding is on top of $3.5 million previously provided by the WA Government, and $4.5 million from the Australian Space Agency to set up SpAARC last year.
The announcement came as the inaugural Indo-Pacific Space and Earth Conference kicked off in Perth today. The conference is an opportunity to show off WA’s space and technology sectors to a global audience as the event brings together hundreds of leaders from around the world to explore opportunities in space, cross-sector technologies, and innovation.
“Growing the space industry is a key focus of our Diversify WA framework, which supports the creation of local jobs, new business opportunities and economic diversification,” said Premier Roger Cook. “This new investment in Fugro SpAARC is a fantastic example of the Cook Government’s commitment to establishing the State as a major global space player. The funding will allow local operators to support international space missions, setting us on a path to become the go-to hub for space operations and exploration in the Southern Hemisphere.”
“It is an exciting time to be in WA as we look to the skies and commit to becoming a key location for space exploration,” said Science Minister Stephen Dawson. “Our State has world-leading capabilities in areas like robotics, remote operations, and radio astronomy, which have the potential to drive huge economic benefits. The Cook Government is continuing to support our local space industry, which could play a key role in NASA returning to the Moon.”
Image: The inaugural Indo-Pacific Space and Earth Conference 2023 formally commenced with a Welcome Reception atop the Art Gallery of Western Australia yesterday evening, attended by senior representatives from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Australian Space Agency.
