Space industry shifting
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Governments are greenlighting rocket projects despite environmental outcry and defence cuts.
Two Australian space initiatives have been approved in recent days, marking potential milestones in both commercial and sovereign space capabilities for the nation.
The Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex in South Australia has received final state planning approval, while Queensland’s Gilmour Space Technologies is set to launch Australia’s first commercial orbital rocket from Bowen.
South Australia’s Planning Minister, Nick Champion, has given the final green light to Southern Launch’s Whalers Way facility, positioned near Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula.
This approval, combined with recent federal environmental clearance from Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, secures all necessary government permissions.
Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp said the approval “is the final piece of the puzzle” for developing an “end-to-end space supply chain” in South Australia, which is becoming a hub for component manufacturing, mission control, and satellite data processing.
The site is now set to host up to 42 launches per year, including 36 orbital and six suborbital, with rockets capped at a height of 30 metres.
Southern Launch plans to commence operations by late 2025 and aims to attract international clients looking to access high-demand orbits, such as polar and sun-synchronous paths crucial for Earth observation and climate monitoring.
Minister for Defence and Space Industries Stephen Mullighan noted that Whalers Way’s unique geographic positioning is expected to attract significant international interest, with economic benefits for the local community, including job creation and investment.
The project, however, has faced opposition from environmental groups and political figures, such as Greens SA Co-leader Tammy Franks, who questioned the site’s suitability.
She argued it is “the wrong place for space” and criticised current planning and environmental laws, indicating her intention to propose a parliamentary committee to scrutinise the project’s implications.
Conservationists have raised concerns about the potential impact on 12 bird species, including the endangered southern emu-wren, as well as risks related to increased fire hazards and traffic.
Meanwhile, Queensland-based Gilmour Space Technologies has received approval from the Australian Space Agency for its maiden orbital rocket launch.
The permit, granted by Industry Minister Ed Husic, will allow Gilmour to proceed with its long-anticipated Eris rocket launch from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport.
Originally slated for March, the launch faced delays pending final approval.
CEO Adam Gilmour expressed both surprise and relief, saying; “I honestly thought the environmental approval would take the longest, and we got that well over a year ago”.
The permit requires Gilmour Space to adhere to stringent conditions, including a 30-day notification period prior to launch.
Gilmour Space, founded in 2013, has since grown into Australia’s largest space manufacturing company and now partners with over 300 Australian suppliers.
Its Bowen spaceport is among a limited number of private orbital sites worldwide, allowing access to key low- and mid-inclination orbits.
In contrast to these advancements, the Australian government has cancelled a proposed $7 billion military satellite project intended to establish a secure communication system for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Initially awarded to Lockheed Martin, the project was intended to protect ADF communications from cyber and electronic threats.
However, the Department of Defence says it has reassessed the strategic necessity of the system, citing advances in space technology and shifting national priorities.
