The Northern Territory is ready to meet the future demands of the global space industry. The Territory Space Industry 2020 blueprint outlines the NT’s growing industry capabilities and strategy for maximising the benefits from advances in the space sector to boost growth, jobs and innovation.
The Northern Territory's space industry is in the early stages of development with significant growth opportunities ready for the savvy investor such as in space launches, high-altitude pseudo satellites, ground station operations and downstream space industries.
The Northern Territory has:
- a geographic advantage for launch sites due to its proximity to the equator
- tectonic stability
- proximity to the sea and low population for the safe and efficient launch and payload recovery
- clear skies mostly year-round, low light pollution and limited noise interference
- ideal wind conditions for stratospheric balloon launches
- an established logistics and construction industry, capable of supporting the development of space infrastructure projects, even in remote locations
- strong earth observation capabilities, world-leading mapping for rangeland, fire and grass using data from the Landsat and Sentinel satellites.
International space businesses will find opportunities to capitalise on existing Northern Territory space infrastructure, including the Alice Springs High Altitude Balloon Launch Facility, Arnhem Space Centre and Centre for Appropriate Technology Satellite Enterprises. Charles Darwin University’s Advanced Manufacturing Alliance with SPEE3D supports the upstream space industry
NASA has also scheduled a sounding rocket campaign from the Arnhem Centre in 2022 – its first from a non-government facility.
Incentives, grants and support
Skilled individuals and businesses keen to join the Northern Territory space industry have access to plenty of advice and support for migrating, investing and working here. There are financial incentives for business owners as well as government grants to support businesses and individuals to make their mark in the Northern Territory.
The Darwin Innovation Hub provides startups, scaleups and established businesses with access to extensive networks, information, resources and strategies. Together with the Northern Territory Government, Darwin Innovation Hub is a strategic overseas partner to Project Cyclotron, a space technology focused venture building program, developed by CapVista and Singapore Space and Technology Limited. It also has grants available through its Entrepreneurs Programme to help eligible applicants grow their business.
Case studies
- Viasat's Real-Time Earth facility in Alice Springs enables the delivery of valuable Earth observation and remote sensing data.
- The Centre for Appropriate Technology Satellite Enterprises is hosting ArianeGroup's GEOTracker station.