Guidelines released for Mission grants of up to $10 million for space companies

Guidelines have been released for Round Two Demonstrator “Mission” program grants, part of the Moon to Mars initiative, with applications to open next year and support between $750,000 and $10 million available.

To be eligible for grants, companies will need to contribute at least 25 per cent of the mission costs, as well as provide a feasibility study.

Round one Demonstrator “Feasibility” grants, valued between $50,000 to $200,000, were awarded in June to support feasibility studies for 20 companies. Round two Mission grant applicants do not have to have been Round one grant recipients.

Round two grants are worth between $750,000 and $10 million, and applications will open March 14, 2022.

Science and technology minister Melissa Price said on Tuesday that the grants would help Australian companies gain valuable experience and recognition from the global space industry.

“Supporting Australian companies to develop their space experience is essential for them to break into new markets and supply chains – which in turn will draw more investment into our country to grow our economy and create more jobs,” said Price.

“Excitingly, the jobs that come from our growing space sector spread across a range of industries and skill sets – from resources, to agriculture, to manufacturing.”

Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo said that “one of the challenges [Australian space businesses] face is the relative lack of space heritage.”

Guidelines for the grants can be seen here.

Picture: Fleet Space Technologies