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The upcoming ‘Australian Space Park’ in Adelaide, set to house flying car pioneers Alauda Aeronautics, will have a final price tag of $66 million.
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On Thursday, Space Connect reported new figures that show the federal government will now invest $20 million into the hub alongside SA’s additional $20 million funding and the tenant’s $26.1 million.
It’s hoped the project, which will be located near the city’s airport, will create more than 1,200 direct and indirect jobs.
The Silicon Valley-like park is a partnership with the South Australian government, alongside four companies including Fleet Space Technologies, Q-CTRL, ATSpace and Alauda.
The “purpose-built facility” will boost manufacturing capabilities with a focus on small satellites and their payloads, rockets and electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL). It will begin building early next year.
Fleet Space Technologies, a small satellite manufacturer will design, engineer and accelerate the development of small satellites to drive down costs and democratise the technology, according to the company.
Alauda Aeronautics is the company behind the Airspeeder flying car race series, developing the technology as a testbed for future air mobility.
Minister for Defence Industry and for Science and Technology Melissa Price said the project will “future-proof” the industry, making it more “self-sufficient”.
“This project will lock in Australia’s ability to deliver along the entire space supply chain,” Minister Price said.
“From research and design through to manufacture and operation, Australia’s credentials as a leading space nation are going to be significantly strengthened by this investment.”
Globally, the space sector is set to grow to US$1 trillion by 2040, and Australia is positioning itself to be a world leader in the industry.
Australian Aviation reported in November how the launch of the world’s first flying car racing series moved a step closer after organisers released a video of two of the vehicles competing in a 100km/h drag race.
Alauda Aeronautics’ test event took place in the SA desert and the footage shows the now remotely piloted ‘Speeders’ in action 10 metres above the ground.
It comes ahead of the planned launch of its EXA Series racing series in 2022, where the cars will hit top speeds of 300km/h and race over ice, sea, deserts and forest locations globally. Watch the video, below.
The company also revealed more details of the forthcoming race series, saying its competitors would be drawn from the “very elite of motorsport, eSports and civil, military and acrobatic aviation”.
Alauda’s technical team includes industry veterans from leaders in Formula 1, and aviation and automotive giants Boeing, Brabham, McLaren, Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce.
