Five Australian startups have scored $3.6 million in Moon to Mars supply chain capability grants as part of NASA’s ambitions to explore beyond the chunk of rock orbiting 384,400km from Earth.
South Australian company entX scored $1 million to develop a radioisotope heater unit. The unit will help payloads withstand the extreme low temperatures on the moon, significantly extending their lifespan.
The other projects are:
Advanced Navigation (NSW), receiving $856,077 to develop a space grade navigation system for launch and space service providers. This will ensure the navigation trajectory of rockets is maintained correctly and safely.
Space Services Australia (ACT), receiving $556,189 to enhance its digital platforms that allow companies to virtually test satellite models based on specific space events. This will improve the ability to respond, protect and extend the duration of their technologies.
Fleet Space Technologies (SA), receiving $994,956 to develop a cutting-edge gravity measurement instrument that will improve exploration for critical minerals.
Element Robotics (VIC), receiving $257,479 to expand its technology which simulates missions and operations on the surface of the Moon.
Advanced Navigation, a specialist in navigation and autonomous systems, is using the grant to develop a space-graded high-shock Inertial Navigation System (INS) to withstand the extreme conditions of a rocket launch in a partnership with Queensland rocket and launch developer Gilmour Space Technologies, which is hoping to launch this year, after nearly a year of waiting for federal government approval.
Gilmour Space founder and CEO Luke Gilmour told media today that delays on approaching the launch of the home-grown Eris rocket led to “a $20 million hit to our capital” and meant the venture-backed startup had been unable to raise additional funds amid the uncertainty.
The rocket on its launchpad in northern Queensland has been in place since April last year.
The federal Labor government goes back to the polls seeking re-election by May.
Advanced Navigation CEO and cofounder, Chris Shaw said they look forward to supporting Gilmour Space and its ambitions.
“In the vast emptiness of space, without external guides, rockets rely on a sophisticated suite of navigation, guidance, and control (GNC) systems,” he said.
“The onboard navigation system must withstand dynamic conditions, gravitational forces, and the intricate physics of orbital mechanics, while providing a reliable flight path. Put simply, the system must be indestructible.”
“These investments will help further embed us in the global space supply chain, working on the global Moon to Mars mission,” he said.
“It’s just another example of how we’re supporting our country’s great ideas that then become great products, which create great jobs.”
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