A new Space Research Network linking industry, academic research and government will be established at Sydney’s Tech Central precinct with $1.4 million in state government funding.

The University of Sydney and the University of Technology Sydney will be co-hosts of the network, which aims to connect stakeholders to work on research and development in the space sector, with a focus on translation.

The network will be alongside the National Space Industry at the multi-billion-dollar Sydney Innovation and Technology Precinct, and builds on the state’s Space Industry Development Strategy released last year.

Both the University of Sydney and UTS are currently involved in several space innovation and research projects, and will look to connect people and organisations across Australia’s burgeoning space sector.

New South Wales Minister Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres announced the new network on Thursday,

“This investment will bring together universities, industry and government to tackle space challenges, translate vital research into commercial space products, attract investment, upskill graduates and drive growth in high-tech jobs,” Mr Ayres said.

“The Network will build on NSW’s cutting-edge space R&D to support NSW enterprise to compete both locally and globally by leveraging significant domestic and international funding opportunities.

The University of Sydney is currently involved in multiple space initiative, including a Drilling, Inference, and Navigation for Geological Operations initiative which received a $200,000 grant in the federal Moon to Mars initiative involving NASA.

The University’s head of school of aerospace, mechanical and mechatronic engineering Professor Stefan Williams will be a co-director of the new Network.

“The Network will position New South Wales enterprise to compete in the space sector by connecting key stakeholders to undertake R&D activities with a focus on translation and impact,” Prof Williams said.

UTS autonomous field robotics expert and head of school, mechanical and mechatronic engineering Professor Robert Fitch will also be a co-director.

“The new network will support collaboration between government and industry to deliver space-focused research outcomes and research translation for NSW, Australia and the world,” Prof Fitch said.

UTS is also involved in several space initiatives and partners with leading local space SMEs.

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