The Australian Space Agency has signed a Statement of Strategic Intent and Cooperation with XTEK, an Australian company specialising in the development of lightweight composite material products, ideal for space applications.
This statement by a national manufacturing company will strengthen the capability and competitiveness of Australia’s space industry.
Head of the Australian Space Agency, Dr Megan Clark AC said the Australian space industry is a vibrant and evolving sector, and the Agency is committed to tripling the Australian space economy.
“This Statement of Intent will assist in the development of space-related industries as the Australian Space Agency aims to grow the local space sector from $3.9 billion to $12 billion over the next ten years, and create up to 20,000 new space jobs,” said Dr Clark.
XTEK intends to employ 45 new engineers, technicians and machinists over the next three to five years, boosting the capability in the sector. This statement also highlights how manufacturing companies can diversify their activities into the growing space sector in Australia.”
XTEK has a suite of unique and patented technologies, including the XTclave™ that offer unique solutions for space applications. They have developed, and continue to grow, design and test capabilities in Australia. XTEK is developing new satellite structures, launcher platform hardware and deployment systems to virtually validate and model for the complex load cases and requirements of launch and the harsh environment of space.
Mr Philippe Odouard, Managing Director of XTEK, welcomed the statement, and the intention to continue discussions on building Australia’s strategic capability in design and development of space systems and space hardware components.
“XTEK has in depth process engineering knowledge, product development and prototyping capabilities which enable it to provide the necessary design, build and testing support to Australia’s space sector. These unique capabilities provide a substantial edge, which can strengthen Australia’s position in contributing to international programs.
This Statement represents a formal relationship with the Australian space industry, which validates the broader application of our novel XTclave™ technology. It also provides us access to a potential significant market in which we can continue developing and commercialising our advanced composite solutions. We look forward to supporting the Agency’s purpose to grow and transform a globally respected space industry,” said Mr Odouard.
Australia’s 10-year plan for the civil space sector is outlined in Advancing Space: Australian Civil Space Strategy 2019-2028.
More information on the Australian Space Agency is available at space.gov.au.