Gilmour Space Wins Launch Prototype Defense Satellite

As part of the Australian Government’s \$7 billion investment in new space capabilities, Queensland space company, Gilmour Space Technologies, has been selected to build and launch a new sovereign surveillance satellite for the Department of Defense.  

Defence Minister Peter Dutton announced the \$15 million partnership and said that the partnership was a demonstration of the government’s commitment to developing sovereign space capabilities. 

“In line with our recently released Defence Space Strategy, Defence is closely engaged with the Australian Space Agency and Australian industry to develop and supply sovereign space surveillance and mission system capabilities,” said Minister Dutton.

“I am proud to announce this \$15 million investment in new military space capabilities to counter threats and assure our continued access to space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

"This is a big milestone for an Australian-owned company that's working hard to develop sovereign space and launch capabilities for our Civil, Commercial and Defence customers globally," said Adam Gilmour, CEO of Gilmour Space Technologies.

"Under the deal, Gilmour Space will be developing a prototype G-class satellite for Defence and launching it on our Eris rocket from an Australian launch site in 2023. We firmly believe that partnerships like this will help to grow future Space and Defence primes in Australia and lead to more capability for Defence in the years ahead."

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, and Member for Fadden, Stuart Robert MP, said Gilmour Space Technologies was both a Queensland and an Australian success story.

“Adam and James Gilmour founded the company nine years ago as a start-up,” said Minister Robert.

“Since that time, Gilmour Space Technologies has grown from strength-to-strength to become Australia’s largest space company with 140 employees – and they have job opportunities available right now.”

“This company launched Australia’s first privately developed hybrid rocket and they are offering people with a wide background of skills in manufacturing, engineering and support roles the opportunity to launch their own career in space right here on the Gold Coast.”

The project aims to meet significant milestones as soon as next year.