The Northern Territory is a step closer to beingpart of the trillion dollar international space industry with the launch of theTerritory Labor Governments space strategy.
Chief MinisterMichael Gunner has launched Territory Space Industry 2020 with DrMegan Clark, head of the Australian Space Agency.
The strategy outlines the governments plansto grow the Territorys space industry, create jobs and connect localbusinesses to the global space economy which is expected to grow to US$1trillion by 2030.
TerritorySpace Industry 2020 was developed in conjunction with business, industry,Charles Darwin University and associated organisations as well as traditionalowners. It sets outfour key focus areas for development:
- Building knowledge, awareness and enthusiasm for the Territory space sector.
- Supporting space project proponents and attracting new activities.
- Supporting a national approach to growing the Australian economy.
- Increasing community engagement with space. The space industry has the potential to contribute to a more vibrant economy, including enhancing other industries such as defence, agribusiness, energy and minerals, and tourism.
Consumers needspace technology for GPS and satellite TV, and it plays a role in bushfireprotection, weather monitoring and providing essential services to the public.
Activity in the global space industry alsoincludes manufacturing, launch and operation of satellites and obtaining datafrom satellites and spacecraft for use by commercial organisations such as payTV and mobile phone companies, as well as civilian space agencies, defence andnational security agencies, universities and research institutes.
Equatorial Launch Australia is already working through therequired regulatory processes to establish Australias first commercial launchfacility in East Arnhem.
In 2017, theTerritory Government signed a MOU with the SA and ACT Governments to supportthe growth of the Australian Space Industry. An MOU between the NT Governmentand the Australian Space Agency is also being developed.
