A CRC bid team plans to “catapult Australia as a space-faring nation” by developing a niche in intelligent satellite systems, advanced comms and analysis of earth-observation data. The University of South Australia and engineering consultants Nova Systems are sponsoring the bid, pointing to national priority benefits including in agriculture, mining, defence and transport.

“A CRC is a proven mechanism for building Australian capability and growing our economy through research-inspired innovation and knowledge creation,” the bid team claims. The partners are looking for participant commitments by May.