The Australian Space Agency has initiated a proactive step toward bolstering Australia’s capabilities in the aerospace sector through the Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement Grants scheme. This move is marked by the funding of an aerospace grade Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, a project set to catalyze advancements in space and aviation technologies across the nation.
This ambitious project brings together Queensland’s Gilmour Space Technologies and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), harnessing their collective expertise to craft a GNSS receiver using an all-Australian supply chain. The device is targeted for a broad spectrum of applications across civil, commercial, and defense sectors, emphasizing the importance of sovereign capabilities in position, navigation, and timing.
Reflecting on the project’s significance, Kody Cook, Head of Software, Electrical, GNC & Avionics at Gilmour Space, acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the future and the importance of self-reliance. “With the future becoming less certain, we’re thankful that Australia is investing into the sovereign development of exactly these types of fundamental capabilities. If we could use more Australian-made avionics in our launch vehicles and spacecraft, we would,” Cook stated, underscoring the strategic importance of this initiative for the nation’s aerospace endeavors.
Echoing this sentiment, Professor Andrew Dempster, Director of the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research at UNSW, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration. “I’ve followed Gilmour Space from the beginning, and it’s a fantastic development for us to work with them on this exciting project,” said Dempster, highlighting the project’s potential to leverage UNSW’s technological advancements with Gilmour’s space manufacturing and commercialization capabilities.
This development represents a crucial step for the Australian Space Agency in bolstering the nation’s aerospace infrastructure, nurturing domestic innovation and ensuring Australia’s competitive edge in the global aerospace industry.
