WA expands its world-class space missions operations capability

• Cook Government commits $5 million to the Fugro Space Automation, AI and Robotics Control Complex (Fugro SpAARC)
• Funding will be used to attract international space mission experts to WA
• Announcement coincides with day one of the Indo-Pacific Space and Earth Conference

Western Australia has moved a step closer to becoming the go-to hub for space operations and exploration in the Southern Hemisphere and supporting NASA's return to the Moon.

Today, Premier Roger Cook announced a $5 million commitment to Perth-based facility Fugro SpAARC.

The funding will bolster the complex's operational capability for space missions, and help to attract experts from around the globe to WA, paving the way for Fugro SpAARC to support international space missions from Perth.

It will also strengthen Fugro SpAARC's partnership with US company Intuitive Machines, who are supporting upcoming Moon missions under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative.  

This latest co-investment in Fugro SpAARC is provided through the Cook Government's Investment Attraction Fund, which invests in projects that encourage investment in WA, create local jobs and diversify the economy. The funding is on top of $3.5 million previously provided by the WA Government, and $4.5 million from the Australian Space Agency to set up SpAARC last year.

The announcement came as the inaugural Indo-Pacific Space and Earth Conference kicked off in Perth today. The conference is an opportunity to show off WA's space and technology sectors to a global audience as the event brings together hundreds of leaders from around the world to explore opportunities in space, cross-sector technologies, and innovation.

For more information on Fugro SpAARC head to https://www.fugro.com/expertise/other-expertise/spaarc

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"Growing the space industry is a key focus of our Diversify WA framework, which supports the creation of local jobs, new business opportunities and economic diversification.

"This new investment in Fugro SpAARC is a fantastic example of the Cook Government's commitment to establishing the State as a major global space player.

"The funding will allow local operators to support international space missions, setting us on a path to become the go-to hub for space operations and exploration in the Southern Hemisphere."

Comments attributed to Science Minister Stephen Dawson:

"It is an exciting time to be in WA as we look to the skies and commit to becoming a key location for space exploration.

"Our State has world-leading capabilities in areas like robotics, remote operations, and radio astronomy, which have the potential to drive huge economic benefits.

"The Cook Government is continuing to support our local space industry, which could play a key role in NASA returning to the Moon."