Aerospace juggernaut lands funds to launch Qld rocket testing
A defence tech company is set to launch Queensland’s aerospace capabilities to new heights.
The defence tech company that launched Australia’s first Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System missiles has won a grant to build a mobile rocket test range in the Sunshine State.
Lockheed Martin Australia has been handed $6.38 million by the state government in a new partnership to develop a mobile launch rail, test range infrastructure and a locally-made rocket motor for high-speed testing.
Lockheed will work with the University of Queensland, Airways Trade Australia and Rocket Technologies International to set up “new advanced manufacturing and high technology capability in Queensland”.
Lockheed’s Australian and New Zealand chief executive Major General (Retd) Jeremy King CSM said the partnership would put the country at the forefront of high-speed advanced aerospace technology development and would support federal defence priorities.
“This investment supports a partnership that will deliver new advanced manufacturing and high technology capability in Queensland that will support the defence sector by accelerating the development, testing and validation process,” Major General King said.
“By connecting Queensland industry and research capability with global defence expertise, we can advance domestic innovation, strengthen supply chain participation and expand opportunities for collaboration with industries such as space and aviation.”
UQ aerospace engineer Professor Vincent Wheatley said the low-cost, flexible mobile test range would reach hypersonic speeds, which start at Mach 5, allowing industry, government, partners and researchers to test and develop new high-speed tech.
Advanced materials scientist Dr Michael Heitzmann said UQ was uniquely placed for the project.
“The state’s proximity to the equator offers launch efficiency advantages comparable to those of Florida’s Cape Canaveral, particularly for missions to low-inclination orbits,” Heitzmann said.
In a statement, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the move would secure defence industry business and highly-skilled jobs for Queenslanders.
“This $6.38 million investment in Lockheed Martin will help establish a critical rocket testing capability right here in Queensland, strengthening our local expertise in advanced aerospace technology and rocket motor manufacturing,” Bleijie said.
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The grant has been awarded through the state’s flagship $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund.
Bleijie said the fund would support “businesses and technologies that will help secure Queensland’s economic future, strengthen our defence industry and create new highly skilled jobs”.
The space sector currently generates more than $810 million in direct revenue and supports more than 2000 jobs in Queensland.
The government’s Space Strategy aims to increase that figure to more than $3.5 billion and 6000 jobs within a decade.
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