A partnership between the State Government and leading Australian space technology business Space Machines Company is lifting off, establishing Bradfield near the new airport as a manufacturing hub for critical space infrastructure like satellites that will help safeguard space for Australia and our allies.
The Rapid Australian Production & Integration for Distributed Space (RAPID) agreement, will bring advanced space technology manufacturing to western Sydney – delivering jobs and promoting the development and adoption of innovative technologies.
Space Machines Company will commence high-value manufacturing projects at the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility’s (AMRF) this year, with the aim to develop hyperscale production capability to produce satellites which are used to repair other satellites in long term orbit.
It’s expected the AMRF will support Space Machines Company to initially produce more than 30 units annually, with production expected to scale up to hundreds of units per year by 2030.
“This landmark agreement will help build vital skills and a capable workforce in western Sydney, creating jobs, accelerating innovation and delivering real outcomes for local people,” said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully.
“By linking global industry partners with the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility, we are equipping NSW with the training, equipment and expertise needed to produce world-leading technologies. This partnership marks a transformative step in making Australia’s newest city a leading centre for high-tech manufacturing, workforce development, and sustainable economic growth.”
Minister for Industry and Trade, Anoulack Chanthivong, said the new agreement was a direct example of how scaling and retaining innovative businesses strengthens NSW’s economy, driving job creation, building resilience and ensuring the state is globally competitive.
“While early-stage businesses play an important role in our innovation ecosystem, NSW must retain these businesses as they grow, maximising their direct and spillover benefits,” he said.
“Once they achieve scale, businesses like Space Machines Company can help deliver significant economic returns and substantial export income, attract world-leading talent, and contribute to a robust local innovation ecosystem.
“This is all part of our plan to boost innovative manufacturing in NSW, set out in our NSW Industry Policy and NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035.”
Chief Executive Officer of Space Machines Company, Rajat Kulshrestha, said western Sydney is the ideal location to establish Australia’s sovereign space manufacturing capability given the extraordinary growth in the area.
“Space production at scale is essential for national security in the modern era. This partnership enables us to build from tens of spacecraft annually and scale toward producing hundreds by 2030, giving Australia and allied nations the rapid response capabilities essential for protecting our critical space infrastructure,” he said.
“As space becomes increasingly contested, having sovereign manufacturing capability ensures we can both defend our interests and protect the space-based systems that underpin our modern way of life.”
