The state’s new space industry strategy, unveiled last week, argues that the vast coastline and minimal air traffic would make it an “ideal location” for “space launch and return activities”.
WA is home to two of the world’s most prestigious radio telescopes but lacks a working spaceport despite a private proposal for one in Albany being unveiled in 2022.
“Western Australia is an ideal location for space communication, tracking and launch activities, offering a range of advantages and optimal environmental conditions,” the report stated.
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“Western Australia, with its clear skies, large arid areas, minimal radio interference, and location around 120 degrees apart in longitude to Western Europe/UK and North America, is a world-class location for hosting space ground infrastructure.
“The state already hosts dozens of national and international facilities that support the global coverage of space assets; space communication; space situational awareness; and positioning, navigation, and timing.”
The Western Australia Space Industry Strategy includes six core goals for the state to achieve by 2030, including attracting significant investment, supporting STEM education and increasing the awareness of the value of space.
Its overall vision is for WA to be a “globally recognised Indo-Pacific space hub”.
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WA’s minister for science, Stephen Dawson, hailed the state for already being home to more than 130 international and Australian organisations that are engaged in space-related services.
“The state’s space history spans tens of thousands of years, as Aboriginal people used astronomical phenomena to inform behaviour, navigation and social structures,” he said.
“In recent times, Western Australia has played key roles supporting global space operations, including NASA’s Apollo program in the 1960s, and Intuitive Machines’ IM-1 mission in early 2024 – marking the United States’ first return to the lunar surface since 1972 and the first successful commercial lunar surface mission.
“The Cook government has identified space industries as a priority sector under the Diversify WA Economic Development Framework – aiming to diversify our economy and create new jobs.
“Growing the space sector will also support Western Australia to benefit from space technology, data and services – leading to innovations that improve environmental and community outcomes, boost productivity, and improve our everyday lives.
“More than $1 billion has been invested or committed to Western Australia’s space sector since 2018.”
Australia is currently home to four spaceports: Equatorial Launch Australia’s Arnhem Space Centre in the Northern Territory, Gilmour Space Technologies’ Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland and Southern Launch’s orbital Whalers Way facility and suborbital Koonibba Test Range in SA.
Two years ago, though, Space Connect reported how contract administrator April Walker was planning to create a spaceport located about 30 minutes from Albany’s CBD.
However, that plan had hoped that launches could begin in 2024, though little information has emerged since.
Adam Thorn
Adam is a journalist who has worked for more than 40 prestigious media brands in the UK and Australia. Since 2005, his varied career has included stints as a reporter, copy editor, feature writer and editor for publications as diverse as Fleet Street newspaper The Sunday Times, fashion bible Jones, media and marketing website Mumbrella as well as lifestyle magazines such as GQ, Woman’s Weekly, Men’s Health and Loaded. He joined Momentum Media in early 2020 and currently writes for Australian Aviation and World of Aviation.
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