Five Moon to Mars grants worth $3.6 million awarded

Five Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement grants worth a total of $3.6 million have been awarded, with industry minister Ed Husic commenting that these will “further embed us in the global space supply chain”.

In a statement on Sunday, it was announced that the following companies will receive funding under the program:

• Advanced Navigation: $856,077 to develop a space-grade navigation system for launch and space service providers.
• Space Services Australia: $556,189 to enhance digital platforms allowing companies to virtually test satellite models based on specific space events.
• Fleet Space Technologies: $994,956 to develop a gravity measurement instrument improving exploration for critical minerals.
• Element Robotics: $257,479 to expand simulation technology for missions and operations on the surface of the Moon.
• entX: $1 million to develop a radioisotope heater unit, which will help payloads withstand the extreme low temperatures on the moon, significantly extending their lifespan.

“Our space industry continues to go from strength to strength on the back of our world-leading know-how and advanced manufacturing prowess,” said Husic.

“These investments will help further embed us in the global space supply chain, working on the global Moon to Mars mission.

In a statement on Monday, Advanced Navigation added that its project will see it work with Gilmour Space Technologies to develop “a high-shock Inertial Navigation System” able to withstand the extreme conditions of a rocket launch. 

“In the vast emptiness of space, without external guides, rockets rely on a sophisticated suite of navigation, guidance, and control (GNC) systems,” said Advanced Navigation CEO and co-founder Chris Shaw. 

“The onboard navigation system must withstand dynamic conditions, gravitational forces, and the intricate physics of orbital mechanics, while providing a reliable flight path. Put simply, the system must be indestructible.”

Grants under the program, which is now closed, offered between $250,000 and $1 million, covering up to 75 per cent of eligible project expenditures.

Picture: Gilmour Space’s Eris orbital launch vehicle at the Bowen Orbital Spaceport (Credit Zaid Dillon)

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