The Australian Space Agency has signed a statement of strategic intent with Sitael Australia, a designer and manufacturer of satellites, enhancing the competitiveness and capability of Australia’s space industry.

Sitael Australia is a subsidiary of Sitael S.p.A, the largest privately-owned space company in Italy.

The Coalition Government committed $41 million to establish the Australian Space Agency and is investing more than $260 million to grow Australia’s space satellite infrastructure. This is part of the Coalition’s investment of around $2.4 billion to grow our space sector, and research, science and technology capabilities.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, welcomed the signing, which occurred during the International Astronautical Congress in Bremen, Germany yesterday.

“This signing will further drive Australia’s position in the global space race and assist in growing our share of the world’s space economy, estimated to be worth around US$345 billion,” Minister Andrews said.

“The statement of strategic intent is confirmation of Sitael’s support of Australia’s capability for developing small satellites, investment in operations, ground stations and R&D.

“The Coalition Government established the Australian Space Agency to grow our space sector, helping to create more Australian jobs and inspiring the next generation of the workforce.” 

Head of the Australian Space Agency, Dr Megan Clark AC, said Sitael was committed to the Australian space industry and the broader use of space across a wide range of sectors of the economy.

“We support Sitael’s investment in cutting edge research and development.

“This initiative aims to solve communications challenges that will provide enhanced connectivity, navigation improvements and monitoring of our country and its resources,” Dr Clark said. 

Mr Nicola Zaccheo, Chief Executive Officer at Sitael, said their strategic purpose to design, build and test small satellites would help to increase the capacity of the Australian space sector.

“Sitael is proud to be part of the growing space ecosystem in Australia, delivering growth and jobs in advanced manufacturing and innovation in cutting edge space technology development.”

The Agency supports the long-term development and application of space technologies, growing our domestic space industry and securing our place in the global space economy.

The Coalition has an ambitious plan for the Agency; to triple the size of the sector, adding another $12 billion annually to the Australian economy by 2030, and creating up to 20,000 new jobs.

Sitael Australia opened a new branch in Adelaide in June 2018, becoming one of the leading local companies in the design and manufacture of satellites of up to 300kg.

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070