The WA Government hopes to support NASA return to the Moon through its investments in Fugro SpAARC. Image source: NASA via Twitter
The Western Australia Government has taken another step in its strategy to make the state a hub for space operations and exploration, and support NASA’s next Moon mission.
Premier Roger Cook announced that the government is committing $5 million towards the Fugro Space Automation, AI and Robotics Control Complex (Fugro SpAARC).
The money is go towards further improving Fugro SpAAARc’s operational capability for space missions, as well as to attract international space mission experts to Western Australia.
“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,” said Science Minister Stephen Dawson.
“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.”
The funds will also assist to bolster the complex’s partnership with Intuitive Machines, a US company operating under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative to support future Moon missions.
“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,” said Cook.
“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.”
The funding will be provided via the WA Government’s Investment Attraction Fund, establish to create local jobs and diversify WA’s economy through projects that encourage outside investment in WA.
The new funding comes on top of the already $3.5 million invested by the WA Government, and $4.5 million from the Australian Space Agency.
The announcement coincides with the beginning of the inaugural Indo-Pacific Space and Earth Conference in Perth this week.
The event attracts hundreds of international attendees to explore opportunities in space and cross-sector technologies.
