Airbus plant to make advanced satellites announced in 2022 for Australian Space Park at Adelaide Airport
Airbus said its satellite manufacturing plant at the Australian Space Park at Adelaide Airport would bring a level of technological sophistication not previously possible in Australia.
Image courtesy Airbus
Airbus, a big space industry contractor. announced in 2022 that it would have a major satellite manufacturing plant at the Australian Space Park to be set up at Adelaide Airport.
The investment, supported by the South Australian government, would allow satellites of up to 300 kilograms to be produced, and with a level of technological sophistication not previously possible in Australia.
Airbus was the designated prime contractor for the European Space Agency’s Mars Sample Return mission.
Airbus Defence and Space Ltd managing director Richard Franklin said the Adelaide plant would be a big step in scale and sophistication of satellites being assembled in Australia. Airbus’ involvement in the Australian Space Park would provide a platform for industry to scale its satellite manufacturing capabilities.
Airbus aimed to be a national asset for Australia to support the government’s wider strategic aspirations of a sustainable space industry. Franklin said: “As the burgeoning hub for Australia’s space manufacturing industry, South Australia is the natural choice for Airbus to establish a dedicated satellite assembly and integration presence. Our vision for this facility is to provide a national asset to support the Australian Government’s wider strategic aspiration to build a sustainable space industry. We look forward to working closely with the government of South Australia and industry to help lead this vision.”
The aerospace giant will join companies including Fleet Space and Alauda Aeronautics at the $66 million Silicon Valley-style Adelaide space park, first announced in 2022, with Lot Fourteen innovation precinct on North Terrace, Adelaide city, as home to the Australian Space Agency and a cluster of space technology companies. The purpose-built Adelaide space park would boost manufacturing capabilities with a focus on small satellites and their payloads, alongside rockets and electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL).
