Space mission control centre for Adelaide

Australian company Saber Astronautics has been chosen by the state and federal government to establish a space mission control centre in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD.

The centre will house facilities for space businesses and researchers to control satellite and space missions, and include a live link to the International Space Station so visitors can watch astronauts on-board.

Saber will receive $6 million from the Federal Government to establish the facility, while the South Australian Government will invest $2.5 million.

Head of the Australian Space Agency Dr Megan Clark AC said the centre would become a focal point for Australia’s national space activities.

“The centre will be available for use by start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises, as well as research and educational institutions to control space assets.

“It will also be used for real-time testing and fast-tracking the improvement of satellite technology.”

The Mission Control Centre will be located at the Australian Space Agency’s headquarters at Lot Fourteen (pictured) housed in buildings formally occupied by the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

The North Terrace facility will also house an educational facility, the Space Discovery Centre from early 2021.

Industry minister Karen Andrews said the centre would help grow Australia’s space sector as part of Austtralia’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Space is also an incredible tool which can help other Australian industries to grow – from making our farmers more productive to giving our advanced manufacturers new supply chains to become a part of.”

Picture: Lotfourteen.com.au

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