Queensland will develop a mobile rocket testing facility under a $6.38 million partnership between the State Government and Lockheed Martin Australia.
The investment will support the development of a mobile launch rail, test range infrastructure and Queensland-made rocket motors for high-speed flight testing.
The funding has been provided through the State Government’s $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund, which supports the development of advanced manufacturing and defence capabilities.
The project will be developed in partnership with the University of Queensland, Airways Trade Australia and Rocket Technologies International.
The mobile test range will provide Australian and international organisations with facilities to test experimental high-speed aerospace technologies.
The Government said the project would support research and development in advanced aerospace and hypersonic technologies, as well as rocket motor manufacturing for defence applications.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the investment would strengthen Queensland’s aerospace and defence industries.
“This $6.38 million investment in Lockheed Martin will help establish a critical rocket testing capability right here in Queensland, strengthening our local expertise in advanced aerospace technology and rocket motor manufacturing,” he said.
“By partnering with globally significant and recognised industry leaders such as Lockheed Martin, the Crisafulli Government is demonstrating our commitment to securing defence industry business and highly skilled jobs for Queenslanders.”
Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive Major General (Retd) Jeremy King said the partnership would accelerate the development and testing of advanced aerospace technologies.
“By connecting Queensland industry and research capability with global defence expertise, we can advance domestic innovation, strengthen supply chain participation and expand opportunities for collaboration with industries such as space and aviation,” he said.
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