Space launch services provider Southern Launch has announced that South Korean rocket manufacturer UNASTELLA Corporation will launch from Australia after signing an agreement in Seoul. UNASTELLA is aiming to develop a small lift rocket based off proven South Korean technologies, and plans at least four launches a year. The company’s orbit capable rocket and the…
The federal government has released Australia’s RNA Blueprint, which it says will “guide advanced manufacturing growth and help create more high-paying jobs” within a sector estimated to add “up to $8 billion” to national GDP over the next decade. In a statement on Tuesday, industry minister Ed Husic said the blueprint (available here) focussed on…
Cold spray additive manufacturing company Titomic has announced the appointment of Dr Patricia Dare to lead its defence and aerospace efforts in the United States. In a statement on Tuesday, the company cited the new hire as part of its emphasis on expanding into the defence sector, particularly within the US, and said Dare’s experience…
By Bill Grace, The University of Western Australia Before renewables came along, coal-fired power stations pumped out electricity (and carbon emissions) 24 hours a day. But now, this type of “always on” baseload power is no longer necessary or commercially viable. This is one of many reasons why the Coalition’s proposed nuclear strategy is flawed.…
The federal government has announced a $45 million contract for another 15 Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles to be built by Thales Australia at Bendigo, Victoria. According to a statement from defence industry minister Pat Conroy on Tuesday, the additional vehicles “will facilitate command and control of Army’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) long-range fires…
Oil and gas technology company Pivotree has built and tested a full-scale prototype of its integrated subsea oil and gas production tree and vessel mooring system. Inventor and Pivotree Managing Director Chris Merrick said the Pivotree technology had the potential to make previously marginal and stranded oil and gas fields both profitable and sustainable. Designed…
By Peter Roberts This week, did we see an example of the federal government’s new policies to link innovation more directly and speedily to eventual purchase? Or was this the last gasp of Defence’s traditional glacial approach to procurement. These questions loom large in Monday’s announcement that the government would invest over $100 million to…
Seeley International, stung by Victoria’s ban on new gas installations, has hit back, ramping up production of its Braemar Dominator Series electric air heating system. In March Seeley announced it would close its Albury, NSW plant and consolidation of operations in Adelaide, blaming Victoria’s Gas Substitution Pathway for the loss of 125 jobs. Now, following…
The federal government will invest over $100 million to buy new lethal and non-lethal drones from a German and an Australian manufacturer. The acquisition of two small uncrewed aerial systems (SUAS) will bolster the ADF’s ability to carry out surveillance and reconnaissance and augments the ADF’s existing stock of drones. The Quantum-Systems Vector 2-in-1 and…
Whyalla steel works produces first structural steel The Managing Director of Liberty Steel Group Tony Swiericzuk at Whyalla in South Australia has celebrated the completion of repairs and start up activities at the primary steel producer. Swiericzuk took to social media and said: “After a 48 hour reheat furnace start up programme, the Whyalla Steelworks…