Author Topic: Queensland space launch, Australia  (Read 24456 times)

Offline CameronD

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Queensland space launch, Australia
« on: 05/25/2021 01:34 am »
Now it's official, I thought it was high time we started a separate thread to discuss the potential of a space launch site somewhere in Queensland, Australia, to prevent it being lost in other discussions, starting with a location just outside of the sleepy town of Bowen, on the east cost of central Queensland:

Here's the announcement:  (cross-posted from the Commercial Space thread)
Quote
QUEENSLAND ON SPACE LAUNCH TRAJECTORY
Published Thursday, 20 May, 2021 at 08:10 AM

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
The Honourable Dr Steven Miles

Queensland could be home to a new space launch facility at Abbot Point near Mackay.(*)

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said Queensland has plenty of home-grown advantages in the emerging space industry.

“Growing our space industry in Queensland will add billions to the economy and create thousands of local jobs. That’s why we are committed the development of launch infrastructure.

“Our easterly facing position, proximity to the equator, and our leading launch and propulsion companies make Queensland the perfect place to invest in space.” Mr Miles said.

“The technical and environmental investigation into the opportunity to launch space rockets from Abbot Point has found this particular site is suitable for small-scale launch vehicles.

“Gilmour Space Technologies has expressed an interest in the site.

“We are keen to work with the team at Gilmour and local stakeholders.

"A facility like this would launch Queensland’s economic recovery into orbit. "

Mr Miles said other potential launch sites Queensland would also be considered.

“We also want to position the state to have the potential to meet longer-term, broader industry requirements,” he said.

“Having multiple launch facilities would be a huge drawcard for Queensland, which would undoubtedly bring more global players and jobs to the state.

“Investing in priority industries like space is a part of our economic recovery plan."

Queensland’s Strategic Defence Advisor for Aerospace, Air Vice-Marshal Neil Hart (ret’d) said launch facilities are one of the foundational elements of developing a true sovereign space capability.

“There is considerable interest in leveraging the geographic advantage of an East coast launch from low latitudes,” Mr Hart said.

“Identifying a site along the Queensland coast with the potential to launch multiple and large payloads to a range of nationally significant orbits would be a significant contribution to Australia's growing space capabilities.”

Mr Miles said in addition to this ongoing work, the next actions of our strategy will be underway, including working with the space industry to support the development of a rocket engine test site and an Earth observation data analytics hub.

“These projects align with Queensland’s strengths, will boost our economic recovery and will help ensure the growth of our space industry is all systems go,” Mr Miles said.

ENDS
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/92147

Here's the justification:
Quote
When it comes to the space industry, Queensland is the place to be!

A recent investigation found that Abbot Point in North Queensland may be suitable to host a space launch facility for small-scale rockets. With interest from Gilmour Space Technologies, we’re keen to work with the team to make this happen.

What makes #Qld such a great location for the emerging space industry?

✔️ easterly facing position
✔️ proximity to the equator
✔️ leading launch and propulsion companies

That’s why we’re committed to supporting the development of launch infrastructure right here in #Qld. Launch facilities would be a huge drawcard, bringing more global players and jobs to the state, and boosting the local economy #UniteAndRecover

And attached is some initial critique from LinkedIn in the form of a Powerpoint Presentation and comment from those who should know.

 (*) = I tend to get concerned when a state's own Government don't know where somewhere in their state actually is.  Don't they own a map?!??  Mackay is over 200km away!  ::)
« Last Edit: 05/27/2021 12:50 am by CameronD »
With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine - however, this is not necessarily a good idea. It is hard to be sure where they are
going to land, and it could be dangerous sitting under them as they fly overhead.

Offline trimeta

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #1 on: 05/25/2021 06:00 pm »
Is "Launch Whitsunday" the name they're going with? I've seen this called the Abbot Point Launch Complex, or Abbot Point Spaceport, but only this article seems to use the phrase "Launch Whitsunday," and that seems to be the name of the organization, not the launch site (much as how Southern Launch is the organization planning the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex).

Offline CameronD

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #2 on: 05/27/2021 12:52 am »
Is "Launch Whitsunday" the name they're going with? I've seen this called the Abbot Point Launch Complex, or Abbot Point Spaceport, but only this article seems to use the phrase "Launch Whitsunday," and that seems to be the name of the organization, not the launch site (much as how Southern Launch is the organization planning the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex).

Interesting.  FWIW, the name "Whitsunday" refers to the islands and section of coastline south of Bowen and north of Mackay (technically somewhere north of the Proserpine River mouth), excluding Proserpine itself - which is a cane town, not a tourist town.  There was quite a row over the borders back in the '80s because of the tourist dollars the name brought in - but AFAIK that doesn't stop anyone using the name to refer to anywhere nearby if no-one kicks up a stink about it, and if the Queensland govt don't know where Mackay is (refer my post above) they sure as hell won't know where "Whitsunday" is either!

According to that Media Release, the 'Launch Whitsunday' committee (which mostly likely includes our friends at Gilmour) has been active in its support and provision of information regarding previous studies and has offered to support and engage with relevant departments on any further studies and assessments.   At least the money will pay a few folks wages for a while... 

PS:  I've updated my OP accordingly.
« Last Edit: 06/01/2021 01:37 am by CameronD »
With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine - however, this is not necessarily a good idea. It is hard to be sure where they are
going to land, and it could be dangerous sitting under them as they fly overhead.

Offline CameronD

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #3 on: 05/30/2021 11:21 pm »
Here's a LinkedIn post from the Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council:
Quote
The residents of #ourwhitsundays could soon be watching rockets launching into space!

With the go-ahead from the State Government for a small rocket launch site at Abbot Point developing a launch site will deliver a huge economic boost for the region and create hundreds of permanent job opportunities for Bowen and the Whitsunday residents. 

I have been working with Adam Gilmour and James Gilmour from Gilmour Space Technologies for over a year and from day one, they have been open and genuine in their desire to establish a launch site at Abbot Point.  I am excited for the economic and tourism opportunities ahead and look forward to all levels of government working together to make this space project a reality with the possibility of the first launch being as early as 2022.
With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine - however, this is not necessarily a good idea. It is hard to be sure where they are
going to land, and it could be dangerous sitting under them as they fly overhead.

Offline CameronD

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #4 on: 06/06/2021 11:37 pm »
Coming off of the tail of the Space Awards on Friday night, here's a round-up of the latest from Queensland:

Quote
Queensland launch companies rocketing into global space race

Three innovative and very different Queensland space companies are set to propel Australia to the forefront of space launch technology.

Based in Queensland, Australia’s most advanced launch vehicle developers Black Sky Aerospace, Gilmour Space Technologies and Hypersonix Launch Systems are capitalising on the state’s leading aerospace industrial base and research sector – and the potential for orbital launch due to Queensland’s ideal east coast location and close proximity to the equator.
https://www.spaceconnectonline.com.au/launch/4913-queensland-launch-companies-rocketing-into-global-space-race

And a link to the Queensland Space Industry Strategy referenced in that article:
https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry/priority-industries/aerospace/space
With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine - however, this is not necessarily a good idea. It is hard to be sure where they are
going to land, and it could be dangerous sitting under them as they fly overhead.

Offline leovinus

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #5 on: 06/23/2021 03:07 pm »
Is "Launch Whitsunday" the name they're going with? I've seen this called the Abbot Point Launch Complex, or Abbot Point Spaceport, but only this article seems to use the phrase "Launch Whitsunday," and that seems to be the name of the organization, not the launch site (much as how Southern Launch is the organization planning the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex).

Interesting.  FWIW, the name "Whitsunday" refers to the islands and section of coastline south of Bowen and north of Mackay (technically somewhere north of the Proserpine River mouth), excluding Proserpine itself - which is a cane town, not a tourist town.  There was quite a row over the borders back in the '80s because of the tourist dollars the name brought in - but AFAIK that doesn't stop anyone using the name to refer to anywhere nearby if no-one kicks up a stink about it, and if the Queensland govt don't know where Mackay is (refer my post above) they sure as hell won't know where "Whitsunday" is either!

Exciting. Spent some time in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays in the 90s. Writing software and launching rockets from such a tropical place is a tempting combination.

I was just wondering - Queensland is a large place. While the Whitsundays are at ~20 degree South, Cairns is about 16 degree South and Cape York is ~10 degree South both closer to the equator. Therefore, they could stay in Queensland but launch rockets closer to the equator which is always nice for performance, see French Guiana/ArianeSpace. Any thoughts on why they forego the extra launch oomph and chose Whitsundays instead of Cairns or even closer towards the equator? Infrastructure?

Offline CameronD

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #6 on: 06/24/2021 12:16 am »
Exciting. Spent some time in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays in the 90s. Writing software and launching rockets from such a tropical place is a tempting combination.

I was just wondering - Queensland is a large place. While the Whitsundays are at ~20 degree South, Cairns is about 16 degree South and Cape York is ~10 degree South both closer to the equator. Therefore, they could stay in Queensland but launch rockets closer to the equator which is always nice for performance, see French Guiana/ArianeSpace. Any thoughts on why they forego the extra launch oomph and chose Whitsundays instead of Cairns or even closer towards the equator? Infrastructure?

Pure speculation on my part, but I'd suggest some combination of infrastructure and politics - mostly the latter.

There was an attempt last century to set up a launch site on Cape York, but it seems the locals didn't like the idea.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_York_International_Spaceport
With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine - however, this is not necessarily a good idea. It is hard to be sure where they are
going to land, and it could be dangerous sitting under them as they fly overhead.

Offline Malcolm Jarmyn

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #7 on: 07/12/2021 12:34 pm »
there is lot of launch sites planned for Australia, not just in Queensland. there is plenty of opportunity for these facilities at the moment.

Offline CameronD

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #8 on: 07/30/2021 08:31 am »
In amongst the typical sales and marketing by the Queensland Government:

https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry/priority-industries/aerospace/space
Quote
Perfect for launch

. east coast location with access to the equator and capability to launch into multiple orbits
. home to Australia’s most advanced launch vehicle developers (Gilmour Space Technologies and Black Sky Aerospace)
. Australia’s highest concentration of aerospace manufacture and repair services

As part of the Queensland Space Industry Strategy, we conducted a technical and environmental investigation into the space launch potential of Abbot Point which found the site may be suitable for small-scale launch activities. Read more about the investigation findings (PDF, 1.3 MB).

The Queensland Government is continuing to investigate whether there is another site in Queensland that could support the government’s longer-term vision for a large-scale facility servicing multiple sizes of rockets.

There's lots more to read for anyone who's interested.
« Last Edit: 07/30/2021 08:33 am by CameronD »
With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine - however, this is not necessarily a good idea. It is hard to be sure where they are
going to land, and it could be dangerous sitting under them as they fly overhead.

Offline Malcolm Jarmyn

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #9 on: 07/30/2021 09:17 am »
There are other sites in Queensland under development, Abbott point is only popular in the news due to Gilmour Space, It is good to see another launch site being developed, that will give Australia at least 5 launch sites under development.  Queensland currently has Gilmour space, Black sky, and Hypersonix are just a few in Queensland.
what the news as there are more developments soon to be released.

Offline CameronD

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #10 on: 08/02/2021 12:05 am »
There are other sites in Queensland under development, Abbott point is only popular in the news due to Gilmour Space, It is good to see another launch site being developed, that will give Australia at least 5 launch sites under development.  Queensland currently has Gilmour space, Black sky, and Hypersonix are just a few in Queensland.
what the news as there are more developments soon to be released.

The amusing thing is that Gilmour are more likely to launch from South Australia (their Eris vehicle, slated for 2023 https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=38583.msg2258125#msg2258125) than anywhere in Queensland - in the short term, at least.

Just because a manufacturer is based locally is no guarantee they'll launch locally.
With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine - however, this is not necessarily a good idea. It is hard to be sure where they are
going to land, and it could be dangerous sitting under them as they fly overhead.

Offline TrevorMonty

Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #11 on: 08/02/2021 03:17 am »
Smallsats don't normally require equatorial orbit, which is market these small LVs are targetting.
 

Sent from my SM-G570Y using Tapatalk


Offline Malcolm Jarmyn

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #12 on: 09/02/2021 11:08 am »
Jarmyn Enterprise Space is trying a new technique to raise funds to manufacture the prototype engine for the Hawk Junior SSTO rocket. a go fund me page https://gofund.me/9aeea9c8.
can you either delete the post or share the post to help us raise the funds for this start up.

Offline CameronD

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #13 on: 09/23/2021 11:51 pm »
Here's an interesting change of angle :

Quote
Aussie companies push for $150m space manufacturing bid

Over 30 Australian-bred companies and universities have joined forces to push a $150 million bid to the federal government to establish three space facilities in Queensland.

The group is proposing to enhance homegrown capabilities through the Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) Collaboration Stream – a $1.3 billion project announced in 2020.

It is under the Australian Space Manufacturing Network (ASMN), which is spearheaded by Gilmour Space, a rocket and satellite manufacturer, and backed by the Queensland government.

“The space industry is still very new relative to other industry pillars, and it lacks the funding and basic infrastructure to support it,” said Adam Gilmour, CEO of Gilmour Space.

The Manufacturing Collaboration Stream – part of the MMI – provides funding for large projects that support business collaborations.

In a statement, the group proposed three new facilities to be established in Queensland, including:
1. a common test and manufacturing facility, enabling members to advance their space research and technology development at lower cost;
2.  an advanced manufacturing facility for building commercial rockets and satellites, anchored by Gilmour Space; and
3.  an orbital spaceport at Abbot Point near Bowen in north Queensland, which will help bring many of these products to space.

Australia’s space capabilities have been boosted by $700 million since Prime Minister Scott Morrison entered into office, expecting the sector to triple by 2040.

But for many years, Australia has depended on international space infrastructure and technology, stunting the nation from creating its own capabilities.
https://www.spaceconnectonline.com.au/manufacturing/5084-aussie-companies-push-for-150m-manufacturing-bid
« Last Edit: 09/23/2021 11:52 pm by CameronD »
With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine - however, this is not necessarily a good idea. It is hard to be sure where they are
going to land, and it could be dangerous sitting under them as they fly overhead.

Offline selbie

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #14 on: 01/11/2022 04:14 am »
Hi folks, I thought this would be relevant here.
Gilmour Space have made progress in the last month or two with approval from the Traditional Owners, and a successful rocket engine test.

Juru Approval

Rocket Test

As for the launch, as you can see from their Eris rocket description page their intended trajectory looks like it will be launching north/northeast over PNG towards the Pacific.

There is mention in the article that they are still seeking development approval. I would imagine this is due to environmental management considerations. I cannot find any development applications submitted yet on the state or Whitsunday local planning portals in the location where the proposed site would be within the Abbot Point development area. This could mean they are still in the early pre-approval discussions.
« Last Edit: 01/11/2022 04:16 am by selbie »

Offline Steven Pietrobon

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #15 on: 01/11/2022 05:16 am »
Video of the test.

Akin's Laws of Spacecraft Design #1:  Engineering is done with numbers.  Analysis without numbers is only an opinion.

Offline Steven Pietrobon

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #16 on: 01/11/2022 05:24 am »
The nozzle partially fails at 42 seconds and then spectacularly fails at 44 seconds! The motor keeps on truckin' after the nozzle failure. I would love to know what oxidiser they are using.
« Last Edit: 01/11/2022 05:26 am by Steven Pietrobon »
Akin's Laws of Spacecraft Design #1:  Engineering is done with numbers.  Analysis without numbers is only an opinion.

Offline selbie

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #17 on: 01/11/2022 06:21 am »
I noticed that too. They quickly tweeted it was an ablative test material.

Tweet link
« Last Edit: 01/11/2022 06:21 am by selbie »

Offline selbie

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #18 on: 03/04/2022 12:42 am »
Small update on the "Bowen Orbital Spaceport" :O

https://twitter.com/GilmourSpace/status/1499116858242637824

Offline CameronD

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Re: Queensland space launch, Australia
« Reply #19 on: 03/30/2022 10:12 pm »
Some relatively recent news:

Quote
Gilmour Space bags $52m federal funding for launch

The federal government has announced a $52 million boost of funding into the Australian Space Manufacturing Network (ASMN) to support local launch capabilities.

It is also set to assist the network’s goal in creating more jobs and showing the younger generation they can have a future in space.

The ASMN is a group of 30 homegrown Australian companies and universities, spearheaded by Gilmour Space Technologies and the Queensland government, focused on growing the sector’s launch and manufacturing capabilities together.

Last September, the ASMN partners pushed a $157 million bid to the state government to build a manufacturing and test hub and launch vehicle development facility in Queensland, and this grant is expected to support that mission under the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative.

“Details have yet to be provided, but we and our ASMN partners intend to leverage on this grant to engage in the full spectrum of space activities, from research and development to advanced manufacturing and launch,” said Adam Gilmour, co-founder of the launch company.

“These efforts will help grow the industry and deliver real civil, commercial and defence benefits for the nation.”

The funding will also support the building of the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland, where Gilmour intends to launch its first orbital rocket into space later this year.

According to Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price, the investment shows that the federal government is ensuring Australia can deliver across the entire space supply chain.
https://www.spaceconnectonline.com.au/launch/5366-gilmour-space-bags-52m-federal-funding-for-launch


Quote
Perfect for launch

- east coast location with access to the equator and capability to launch into multiple orbits
- home to Australia’s most advanced launch vehicle developers (Gilmour Space Technologies and Black Sky Aerospace)
- Australia’s highest concentration of aerospace manufacture and repair services

As part of the Queensland Space Industry Strategy, we conducted a technical and environmental investigation into the space launch potential of Abbot Point which found the site may be suitable for small-scale launch activities. Read more about the investigation findings (PDF, 1.3 MB).

The Queensland Government is continuing to investigate whether there is another site in Queensland that could support the government’s longer-term vision for a large-scale facility servicing multiple sizes of rockets.
{Emphasis mine}

https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry/priority-industries/aerospace/space

Quote
Gilmour has expressed interest in developing the site for the rocket it is developing and is progressing discussions to lease the site. Development of the site will be subject to Gilmour achieving the necessary state and federal regulatory approvals.

The Queensland Government is committed to supporting Gilmour in the development of this facility. In the meantime, the Queensland Government will investigate whether there are other coastal sites which could meet longer-term, broader industry requirements.
« Last Edit: 03/30/2022 10:21 pm by CameronD »
With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine - however, this is not necessarily a good idea. It is hard to be sure where they are
going to land, and it could be dangerous sitting under them as they fly overhead.

 

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