NSW Government announces space manufacturing in Bradfield

The NSW Government has announced a partnership with Australian space technology business Space Machines Company to establish Bradfield as a manufacturing hub for critical space infrastructure like satellites.

The Rapid Australian Production & Integration for Distributed Space (RAPID) agreement aims to bring advanced space technology manufacturing to Western Sydney. Space Machines Company will commence high-value manufacturing projects at the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) this year, with the aim to develop hyperscale production capability to produce satellites that are used to repair other satellites in long-term orbit.

It’s expected the AMRF will support Space Machines Company to initially produce more than 30 units annually, with production expected to scale up to hundreds of units per year by 2030.

The government says it is also exploring opportunities for Space Machines Company at Bradfield’s second building and looking at establishing a dedicated hyperscale satellite production facility in Bradfield City.

The RAPID agreement also prioritises the development of a shared roadmap to build sovereign space manufacturing capability, open new market opportunities, and align with the strategic objectives of both the Australian and NSW Governments.

“Western Sydney is the ideal location to establish Australia’s sovereign space manufacturing capability,” said CEO of Space Machines Company Rajat Kulshrestha. “Through our partnership with BDA and the AMRF, we are not just building satellites — we’re creating the critical infrastructure that will safeguard space for Australia and our allies.

“Space production at scale is essential for national security in the modern era. This partnership enables us to build from tens of spacecraft annually and scale toward producing hundreds by 2030, giving Australia and allied nations the rapid response capabilities essential for protecting our critical space infrastructure.

“As space becomes increasingly contested, having sovereign manufacturing capability ensures we can both defend our interests and protect the space-based systems that underpin our modern way of life.”

Image caption: Space Machines Optimus Viper satellite. Credit: Space Machines Company.