Space industry link to other sectors of South Australian economy coordinated by centre, with council, from 2017
The South Australian space industry could contributd to other priority sectors including defence, agriculture, mining and tourism, as well as health and education services.
The South Australian Space Industry Centre, to drive space innovation, research and entrepreneurs, was created by the South Australian government in 2017. The centre was a whole-of-state-government focal point for local industry and international companies and organisations.
With staff from Defence South Australia, trade and investment, department and innovation and skills department, the space industry centre coordinated industry and workforce development through initiatives, events, scholarships and an incubator. Growing space and sustainable defence industries in South Australia was seen as a key to economic development. Capabilities and expertise were concentrated on Earth observation, satellite communications and space-based position, navigation and timing.
Space support sectors included communication, environmental monitoring and mapping. The space industry contributed to other priority sectors including defence, agriculture, mining and tourism, as well as health and education services.
The centre handled the space innovation fund to support entrepreneurs and startups in a pathway for post-graduate innovators and entrepreneurs to develop: expertise and knowledge in specialist space-related study, entrepreneurial ideas to bring them to market, technology, channels to market and pitch for investment by tapping into global networks. Up to five space scholarships offered each year, with a maximum of $20,000 for each scholarship.
Venture Catalyst Space was a highly competitive incubator supporting startups to nurture and grow innovative ideas in the space sector. Through the University of South Australia’s innovation and collaboration centre, it included workshops, expert mentoring, and funding of up to $10,000 per company and the chance to pitch for a sponsored overseas tour to the United States or Europe to network with investors and companies.
Backing the space industry centre, the South Australian Space Council represented research, universities, private enterprise, defence, government, and space specialists. It gave input for government decisions to support the space sector through innovation, investment, education and training, manufacturing and employment. It also connected the South Australian space sector to key national and international networks.
South Australian Space Council members in 2022 were: Richard Price (chair), chief executive, South Australian Space Industry Centre; professor Caroline McMillen, South Australian chief scientist, state government industry and skills department; professor Andy Koronios, chief executive officer, SmartSat cooperative research centre; professor Melissa de Zwart – dean of law, Adelaide University; Nicola Sasanelli, senior advisor, South Australian Space Industry Centre / director, SmartSat cooperative research centre /chief executive, Andy Thomas Space Foundation; Dr Matthew Tetlow, chief executive officer, Inovor Technologies Michael Davis, space industry advocate / director of SmartSat cooperative research centre; Peter Nikoloff, director, Nova Systems /director, SmartSat cooperative research centre; Darin Lovett, director , South Australian Space Industry Centre; Nick Stacy, research leader, national security and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance division, department of defence, defence science & technology group; Brenton Whitington, space strategy, BAE Systems; Katie Hulmes, general manager /transformation and readiness, Oz Minerals; group captain Nick Grey, officer commanding, wide area and space surveillance systems program office.