Gilmour Space wins deal for surveillance satellite

Queensland-based company, Gilmour Space Technologies has been selected to develop and launch a new sovereign surveillance satellite as part of the Australian government’s $7 billion investment in new space capabilities. (PHOTO: Gilmour Space Technologies) Defence Minister Peter Dutton announced the $15 million partnership with Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies and said the investment was a demonstration of the Morrison Government’s commitment to developing sovereign space capabilities. “In line with our recently released Defence Space Strategy, Defence is closely engaged with the Australian Space Agency and Australian industry to develop and supply sovereign space surveillance and mission system capabilities,” Dutton said. “I am proud to announce this $15 million investment in new military space capabilities to counter threats and assure our continued access to space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Defence first established a partnership with Gilmour Space in 2020 to jointly develop defence-related space technologies, particularly rocket motor-system components. Since that time, we have been testing materials and propulsion technologies – all with a view to developing a hybrid rocket to launch payloads and small satellites.” Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Stuart Robert said Gilmour Space Technologies was Queensland and Australian success story. “Adam and James Gilmour founded the company nine years ago as a start-up,” Robert said. “Since that time, Gilmour Space Technologies has grown from strength-to-strength to become Australia’s largest space company with 140 employees – and they have job opportunities available right now. This company launched Australia’s first privately developed hybrid rocket and they are offering people with a wide background of skills in manufacturing, engineering and support roles the opportunity to launch their own career in space right here on the Gold Coast.” Dutton said the partnership was just another example of the ways in which the Morrison Government was fast-tracking defence capabilities, with the project aiming to reach significant milestones as soon as next year. “Defence is aiming to launch a satellite prototype in conjunction with Gilmour Space by mid-2023. This is what we can achieve when government manages our economy well, invests in defence capability and backs Australian industry to help grow jobs now and into the future.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]