AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
IND
Highlights
- The Australian federal government has launched an investment plan to support the growth of the space industry in the nation.
- The objective of the investment is to find the successor or Andy Thomas.
- Andy Thomas was the last Australian to participate in NASA’s mission in 2005.
The Australian federal government announced to invest of AU$65 million in Adelaide-based Australian Space Agency (ASA). The funding will help ASA to secure space flights and services for the domestic sector.
Read more: PlaySide (ASX:PLY) shares close in green on 61% revenue gain
As a result, Australia is said to have taken another step closed to launching its next astronaut into space after more than 16 years since Andy Thomas of Adelaide touched down back to the Earth.
Andy Thomas is believed to be the last Australian in spare so far, who participated in the 2005 NASA mission.
The Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, made an announcement at Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen site stating that the majority of the funding will be utilised on local launch facilities or ‘space ports’.
Morrison also mentioned that an essential objective of the funding is to find a successor for Thomas. He believes that Australia is an ‘astronaut nation’. As a result, the government has determined to co-invest AU$32.3 million to support the development of at least three new or existing spaceport sites across the nation.
On the other hand, the Australian Defence Industry Minister, Melissa Price, addressed that this investment also includes opportunities for local companies to build their access to the global supply chain.
Meanwhile, Australian Premier Steven Marshall, who is currently busy with March 19 election poll, believes that this investment will give rise to further job opportunities in Australia.
He mentioned that there was no space agency in Australia before. As a result, the space industry aspirants had to travel overseas to pursue their passion. However, Australian space industry lovers will be provided with a plethora of opportunities within the nation itself after the funding from the federal government.
Therefore, Steven assures that this time, South Australia is focused on creating a stronger future and robust recovery out of COVID-19 to amalgamate great opportunities for the next generation.
