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Space race hots up as second player eyes Queensland launch base

An Australian company has revealed sky-high plans to launch rockets from far north Queensland as the state’s space race heats up.

Oct 07, 2020, updated Oct 07, 2020
Queensland may soon have two bases launching into space.  (Photo: AAP/ NASA  image).

Queensland may soon have two bases launching into space. (Photo: AAP/ NASA image).

A launch site at Cape York is part of a space proposal by Sydney-based CosmoVision Global Corporation, which hopes to secure approval to start building a “technology park” by early 2021.

The “space port” will be used to launch rockets weighing more than 400 tonnes and powered by non-toxic fuel, corporation boss Ilya Osadchuk said in statement.

“We can hopefully meet the mandatory requirements for obtaining our licence to set up and operate our space port and launch facility in Cape York,” he said.

The proposal is yet to get a green light from state or federal governments or nearby Indigenous groups, or pass essential environmental requirements.

Despite the many necessary approvals, the corporation said it has already secured “international launch vehicles” and has global investors lined up.

The operation plans to launch satellites for commercial telecommunications among other uses.

It’s not the only space proposal on the cards for Queensland with the state’s alternative government – the LNP – a couple of weeks ago revealing plans for a $15 million rocket launch pad near the central city of Bowen if victorious at the October 31 election.

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Gilmour Space Technologies would be the anchor tenant of the government-owned facility, and the firm already has contracts with customers who need to launch in an easterly direction.

In mid-September, a 3.4-metre rocket became Australia’s first commercial launch to the edge of space, from South Australia.

The Federal Government is investing $7 billion in growing Australia’s space capabilities over the next decade.

-AAP

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