Breaking the Sound Barrier: The Latest News in Australia's Aerospace Industry

Jan 31 2023

The Australian aerospace industry has seen significant developments in 2022, with companies and organisations making strides in research and development, as well as expanding their capabilities and services.

Qantas and Boom Supersonic's Plans for Supersonic Flights

One major announcement came from Qantas, Australia's largest airline, which revealed its plans to test supersonic flights in the coming years. The airline has entered into a partnership with Boom Supersonic, a Denver-based company developing supersonic passenger jets. Together, they plan to build a new aircraft that can travel at Mach 2.2, which is more than twice the speed of current commercial planes. If successful, this could revolutionise air travel, drastically reducing flight times and opening up new markets for tourism and business.

Boeing Australia's Expansion of Autonomous Systems Capabilities

Meanwhile, Boeing Australia announced the expansion of its autonomous systems capabilities, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other advanced technologies. This move comes as the Australian government is investing heavily in the development of UAVs, with a particular focus on their military applications. Boeing's expansion will create new jobs and opportunities in the aerospace industry, while also contributing to national defense.

The Australian Space Agency's Collaboration with NASA

Another significant development came from the Australian Space Agency, which signed an agreement with NASA to collaborate on the Artemis program, a series of missions to explore the Moon and eventually establish a sustainable presence there. As part of this agreement, the Australian government will provide support for NASA's lunar exploration activities, including communications and data-relay services.

Gilmour Space Technologies' Low-Cost Rockets and Skykraft's Satellites

In addition, Australian companies like Gilmour Space Technologies and Skykraft are developing new technologies and services for the space industry. Gilmour is working on building low-cost rockets that can be launched frequently, while Skykraft is developing small, low-cost satellites for Earth observation and other applications.

Overall, the Australian aerospace industry is undergoing significant changes and growth in 2022, with exciting new developments and opportunities emerging in areas like supersonic flight, UAVs, and space exploration. These advances are set to drive innovation, create new jobs, and position Australia as a key player in the global aerospace market.