The State of Australia's Rocket Industry ​

Australia may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of rocket technology, but we have a long history of involvement in the field. From the early days of rocket testing in the remote outback to the current era of commercial spaceflight, Australia has played a significant role in advancing rocket technology. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at rockets from an Australian perspective, exploring our history, current activities, and future plans in the field.

Rocket History in Australia ​

Australia's involvement in rocketry dates back to the 1940s, when we became a key location for rocket testing and development. The Woomera Rocket Range, located in the remote South Australian desert, was established in the late 1940s as a testing ground for British missile technology. Over the following decades, the range was used for a variety of rocket launches and tests, including the development of Australia's first satellite, WRESAT, in 1967.

The 1970s and 1980s saw a shift towards commercial rocket development in Australia, with companies like the Australian Space Research Institute (ASRI) and the Australian Aerospace Corporation (AAC) working on projects ranging from rocket engines to small satellites. However, the industry faced significant challenges during this period, including limited funding and a lack of government support.

Current Rocket Activities in Australia ​

Today, Australia's rocket industry is experiencing a resurgence, with a growing number of companies and organizations involved in rocket development and launch. The government has also begun to invest in the industry, with the establishment of the Australian Space Agency in 2018 and the allocation of funding for space-related projects.

One of the key players in Australia's rocket industry is Gilmour Space Technologies, a Queensland-based company that is developing small- and medium-sized rockets for commercial and military applications. The company has already achieved several successful rocket launches and is working on plans for a spaceport in northern Australia.

Another notable company is Southern Launch, which is developing a spaceport in South Australia that will enable polar and sun-synchronous launches. The company has already signed agreements with several international customers for satellite launches.

Future Plans for Rockets in Australia ​

Looking ahead, the future of rocketry in Australia looks bright. In addition to the activities of companies like Gilmour Space and Southern Launch, the government has also announced plans to establish a national space industry precinct in Adelaide, which will support research, development, and commercialization activities in the field.

There are also exciting opportunities for Australia to contribute to global efforts in space exploration and research. Australia has already been involved in a number of high-profile missions, including the Mars Insight mission and the search for gravitational waves. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it's likely that Australia will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of rocket technology.

Conclusion ​

Despite our remote location and relatively small population, we have a long and fascinating history in the field of rocketry. From the early days of missile testing to the current era of commercial spaceflight, we have contributed significantly to the development of rocket technology. With a growing number of companies and organisations involved in rocket development and launch, as well as government support for the industry, the future of rockets in Australia looks bright. We can expect to see exciting new developments and initiatives in the years ahead, as Australia continues to shape the global space industry.