Agreement helps Australia's strategy to grow space industry, jobs
Boeing, CSIRO continue space-related R&D
Boeing STEM initiatives develop future Australian space engineers
Boeing and the Australian Space Agency have signed a Statement of Strategic Intent to help advance the agency's goals to expand Australia's domestic space industry.
By 2030, Australia would like to grow the space market segment from AU$3.9 billion to AU$12 billion and double space industry employment from about 10,000 today to 20,000.
The agreement features Boeing support for investments in R&D, innovation, STEM education and government programs aligned with the Australian Space Agency's priorities.
"Expanding our relationship with the Australian Space Agency is a significant step for Boeing and a reaffirmation of our longtime teaming with Australia in space," said Jim Chilton, Boeing senior vice president, Space and Launch. "It means a lot that we've signed this agreement during a year when the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, when both Boeing and Australia played important roles in that historic achievement. We see great opportunity ahead for all of us as Australia continues to grow its space industry and national capabilities."
Boeing has a long history of space-related projects in Australia, including:
Dr. Megan Clark AC, head of the Australian Space Agency, said the signing of the statement was an example of how collaboration and engagement across countries is an important aspect of the growing space economy, both in Australia and internationally. "This Statement of Strategic Intent highlights Boeing's existing collaboration with CSIRO, universities and industry in broad areas such as space debris monitoring, advanced manufacturing and fuel production in space, on-orbit imaging, VR and remote space craft operation," Dr. Clark said. "This partnership opens the doors for Australian innovators to participate in the global supply chain of the space sector."
Boeing's STEM efforts in Australia span universities and non-profits in order to help develop the future engineers and leaders of Australia's space industry. Boeing supports Space Squad, the Australian Youth Aerospace Association, the Australian Space Design Competition, and FIRST (For Inspiration & Recognition of Science and Technology) including its exciting robotics program "Mission Moon."
The Australian Space Agency is responsible for whole-of-government coordination of civil space matters. The Agency will transform and grow a globally respected space industry, and to reach and inspire all Australians through seven National Civil Space Priorities - Position, navigation and timing; Earth observation; Communication technologies services; Leapfrog R&D; Space situational awareness; Robotics and automation; and Access to space. Through the Agency, Australia aims to significantly grow its market segment from 10,000 jobs and a market size of $3.9 billion to up to another 20,000 jobs and $12 billion by 2030.