Saber Astronautics to build new Mission Control Centre hub
Australian company Saber Astronautics has been selected to build Australia’s first Mission Control Centre in Adelaide. It will be located in the headquarters of the Australian Space Agency at Adelaide’s innovation precinct, Lot Fourteen. The Mission Control Centre is due to launch alongside the Space Discovery Centre, an interactive educational facility, in early 2021.
The Mission Control Centre will provide facilities for space businesses and researchers to control satellite and space missions, and include a live link to the International Space Station so visitors can watch astronauts on-board.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Mission Control Centre would help grow Australia’s space sector, which will be an important part of the country’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“People may question why focus on space when things are so tough here on Earth, but this is about investing in our future and developing an emerging industry which can grow our economy and create new jobs,” she said. “The Mission Control Centre will support the creation of high-tech jobs and boost the growth of space-based communication technologies and services sectors.
“Space is also an incredible tool which can help other Australian industries to grow – from making our farmers more productive to giving our advanced manufacturers new supply chains to become a part of.”
Saber Astronautics will receive $6 million from the Federal Government to establish the facility, while the South Australian Government will invest $2.5 million through the Adelaide City Deal – a 10-year agreement between the Australian and South Australia Governments and the City of Adelaide.
South Australia is already the home of the Australian Space Agency, SmartSat CRC, Mission Control Centre and the Space Discovery Centre, all of which are located at the state’s innovation precinct Lot Fourteen.
Head of the Australian Space Agency Dr Megan Clark AC said the centre would become a focal point for Australia’s national space activities.
“The centre will be available for use by start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises, as well as research and educational institutions to control space assets. It will also be used for real-time testing and fast-tracking the improvement of satellite technology.”