Space Discovery Centre Green-lit

The Australian government is gearing up to support the next generation of space industry workers by creating the Space Discovery Centre. It has been recently announced that construction of this Centre has officially commenced in South Australia. It is hoped that it will inspire the future space workforce through curiosity, opportunity, and technology.  

The Space Discovery Centre will be located in Lot 14 in Adelaide, and is part of the Australian government’s \$700 million investment in the Australian space industry. The Centre is being constructed in order to inspire and educate people who aspire to have a career in space.

“Sparking young people’s imagination about space isn’t just about the wonder of the unknown, but about making sure they can take advantage of the enormous opportunities the broader industry represents in developing technologies that help life on Earth. Underpinned by a strong STEM education focus, the Australian Space Discovery Centre will highlight diverse opportunities available in the space sector, including careers in manufacturing, engineering, space medicine, geology, AI and computing,” said Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews. 

The Centre will feature several sections, including the Space Exhibition, Careers and Information Hub, the Mission Control Centre, and Industry Showcase. Visitors to the Centre will be able to participate in hands-on exhibits that demonstrate activities that support exploration of the Moon and Mars, learn about the space sector and career paths and jobs in the space industry, and hear from guest speakers at the viewing area in the Mission Control Centre. 

Head of the Australian Space Agency, Dr Megan Clark AC said, “We would love the Australian Space Discovery Centre to become a place where the community can come together to explore the latest innovations in space technologies and learn about Australia’s role in expanding national and international space activities”.

The Mission Control Centre will also provide facilities for space businesses and researchers, to support Australian endeavours in the exploration of space, such as satellite tracking and control. The Australian company Saber Astronautics was awarded a \$6 million Space Infrastructure grant earlier this year to develop the Mission Control Centre.

The main purpose of the Space Discovery Centre is to spark imagination in younger generations and encourage their involvement in space careers. 

“I am a huge advocate of opening doors for the next generation to engage with and enjoy STEM learning as much as I did,” Minister Andrews said.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge, also commented on the employment opportunities that the Centre will produce. 

“From those who will help build the centre, to those who will eventually work in it, we are creating local jobs at a crucial time as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Australian Space Discovery Centre is due to open to the public in the first half of 2021.