The Australian Space Agency has signed a Statement of Strategic Intent with The Boeing Company, as part of the mission to grow Australia’s space industry.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the signing with the world’s largest aerospace company signified the global ambitions of the Agency.

“Boeing’s ongoing commitment to supporting science, technology, engineering and maths education, including developing a skilled and diverse workforce is vital to the growth and progress of Australia’s space economy,” Minister Andrews said.

“The statement begins an important partnership with Boeing, and emphasises the value of its ongoing research and development in collaboration with universities and research institutions across Australia.

“Boeing is a major player in both Australia’s space and wider aerospace industry. Across Australia, Boeing employs over 3000 people and in 2018 invested $62 million in research and development.”

Head of the Australian Space Agency Dr Megan Clark AC said the signing of the statement was an example of how collaboration and engagement across countries is an important aspect of the growing space economy, both in Australia and internationally.

“This Statement of Strategic Intent highlights Boeing’s existing collaboration with the CSIRO, universities and industry in broad areas such as space debris monitoring, advanced manufacturing and fuel production in space, on-orbit imaging, virtual reality and remote space craft operation,” Dr Clark said.

“This partnership opens the doors for Australian innovators to participate in the global supply chain of the space sector.”

Boeing Senior Vice President of Space and Launch Jim Chilton said, “Expanding our relationship with the Australian Space Agency is a significant step for Boeing and a reaffirmation of our long time teaming with Australia in space.

“It means a lot that we’ve signed this agreement during a year when the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, when both Boeing and Australia played important roles in that historic achievement. 

“We see great opportunity ahead for all of us as Australia continues to grow its space industry and national capabilities.”

This is the sixth Statement of Strategic Intent and Cooperation signed by the Australian Space Agency since it was established by the Coalition Government in July 2018.

The Coalition is aiming to triple the size of the Australian space sector to $12 billion and increase employment to 30,000 jobs by 2030, as part of our plan to create more jobs and growth in emerging sectors of the economy. That’s why we’re committing $73.2 million into the Agency and its programs to support the growth and transformation of Australia's space sector.

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070