Campus Review Vol 32. Issue 03 - June - July 2022 | Page 21

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USQ ’ s Peter Schubel will lead a new rocket manufacturing hub . Picture : Supplied

Ready for take-off

USQ-led rocket hub to help launch Australia ’ s space economy .
By Eleanor Campbell

The University of Southern Queensland will build a new rocket manufacturing hub as part of a commercialisation project geared to developing Australia ’ s budding space industry .

Last month the then-coalition government announced the last round of Trailblazer grants , which awarded USQ $ 50m to build a rocket manufacturing precinct in the region .
The iLaunch hub will be used to develop equipment and infrastructure for rocket launches , senors , satellites and in-space communications .
Professor Peter Schubel , who will lead the USQ hub , says the project will generate “ critical research ” and draw rocket companies to Australia .
“ Our industry partners have identified $ 3.65 billion in economic benefits associated with the 18 core iLaunch commercialisation projects , which will accelerate Australian IP to market ,” Schubel says .
USQ will also create a new space engineering degree to direct more graduates into the industry .
Former regionalisation minister Bridget McKenzie said the iLaunch project would help to generate thousands of jobs in regional Queensland .
“ The new [ USQ ] Trailblazer will turbocharge our growing space industry , helping us to achieve our goal of having 20,000 space sector jobs by 2030 ,” McKenzie said .
Estimates from US firm Morgan Stanley predict that by 2040 , the $ 280 billion dollar global space sector could surge to over $ 1 trillion .
Since 2018-2019 , the Australian Government has spent over $ 700 million to develop its space capabilities .
As part of the iLaunch project , USQ will partner with Australian National University and the University of Southern Australia . UniSA researchers have been given $ 20m to develop 3D printed materials to build in-space hardware such as satellites , communications and sensors .
This will include the creation of a satellite “ selfie stick ” to facilitate space observation and better communications with earth .
Associate Professor Colin Hall , who will lead the UniSA node , says the hub will help to cement Australia ’ s presence on the global space stage .
“ This project will support university staff to commercialise their research and strengthen collaborations with industry , both of which are necessary to build a sovereign space capability in Australia ,” Hall says .
“ This is a wonderful opportunity for us , and our industry partners , to commercialise
This is a wonderful opportunity to commercialise technology to grow Australia ’ s space manufacturing capability .
technology to grow Australia ’ s space manufacturing capability .”
The latest trailblazer announcement was timed days before the federal election and included $ 50m for the University of Queensland to commercialise food and beverage products .
UQ will partner with the Queensland University of Technology , USQ and industry partners to “ double the value of Australia ’ s food and beverage manufacturing sector through a focus on smart production and new ingredients ”.
Director of UQ ’ s Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation , Professor Matthew Morell , says the grant was a “ game changer ”.
“ This is about working together to create new technologies , products and businesses in the food and beverage sector which will ultimately create jobs and boost the Australian economy ,” Morell said .
“ This investment will allow innovative smaller businesses to accelerate their capacity for developing and manufacturing products that meet changing consumer needs , such as the desire for premium products .” ■
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