Feature image: Chris Picton and the team at the South Australian Space Centre.
Goods could one day be transported through space between Florida and South Australia under an Australian-first partnership linking the state with one of the world’s most established aerospace regions.
The South Australian Government, through the South Australian Space Industry Centre, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Space Florida to explore future launch, landing, trade and spaceport projects.
The agreement was announced in Adelaide on Wednesday, July 22, during the 19th Australian Space Forum, which brought international space industry leaders, researchers and government representatives to the Adelaide Convention Centre.
One of the most ambitious possibilities to be investigated is the transportation of goods and services through space between Florida and South Australia.
The two organisations will assess whether the concept is feasible, what infrastructure would be required and whether there is a viable business case, with a potential demonstration mission also on the table.
While the agreement does not confirm that a mission will take place, it creates a formal pathway for the regions to begin developing joint projects and sharing expertise.
Future concepts could involve operations launching from the United States before spacecraft or cargo land and are recovered in South Australia.
Florida is home to the world’s busiest spaceport and has an extensive aerospace industry encompassing launch facilities, research institutions, specialised workers and investment programs.
South Australia offers different potential launch trajectories and has been building its experience in spacecraft return and recovery operations, giving the two regions capabilities that could complement each other.
The partnership will also look beyond individual missions, with Space Florida and the South Australian Space Industry Centre planning to share knowledge about spaceport financing, infrastructure and development.
The organisations will connect research networks, exchange business development opportunities and help companies from each region enter the other’s market.
Universities and other institutions will also be encouraged to work together on research, education and workforce programs designed to prepare the next generation of space industry workers.
Minister for Defence and Space Industries Chris Picton said working with Space Florida would connect South Australia with one of the world’s most mature space economies.
“Strong international partnerships are essential to delivering Australia’s space future, and South Australia is playing a leading role in advancing that effort,” he said.
“This agreement builds national space capability and will advance Australia’s position as a global launch destination.”
Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long said South Australia was becoming a serious participant in spaceport development and space trade.
“Florida’s role in the global space economy has always depended on the strength of our partnerships, not just our launch capabilities,” he said.
“This MoU lays the groundwork for a long-term relationship that will benefit both regions as that growth continues.”
Space Florida is the US state’s independent aerospace finance and development authority, while the South Australian Space Industry Centre has led the development of the local space industry since 2017.
South Australia is now home to more than 100 space-related organisations, as well as the Australian Space Agency, Australian Space Discovery Centre and Responsive Space Operations Centre.
