The Western Australian Government has announced $6.5 million in funding over the next four years to support the State’s space sector, with the investment to be shared between the Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE) consortium and Curtin University’s Binar Space Program.
According to the WA Government, the funding, announced as part of the 2026-27 State Budget, includes $4 million for AROSE Ltd and $2.5 million for Curtin University to continue space-related research, technology development and workforce training.
The government said the investment supports its Diversify WA framework, which identifies the space industry as one of nine priority sectors aimed at strengthening and diversifying the State’s economy.
Curtin University’s Binar Space Program designs, develops, tests, builds and operates small satellites. Since 2021, four Binar satellites have been launched, with another three launches expected later this year, according to the WA Government.
The program also provides training for high school students, undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students in satellite design, manufacturing and operations.
Meanwhile, Perth-based not-for-profit consortium AROSE works on remote operations technologies for both Earth and space applications. Its projects include bushfire detection and response, agriculture, defence, and the development of new space and resources technology initiatives.
The WA Government said the funding would enable both organisations to continue expanding their work and contribute to Western Australia’s position in the growing space sector.
Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson said the funding reflected the government’s ongoing support for the industry.
“The Cook Labor Government is again looking to the stars with this latest funding boost to our ever-growing space industry,” Dawson said.
He said Western Australia was well placed to participate in the sector’s growth.
“Western Australia has the geography, expertise and ambition to be a key player in the space sector, and we’re making sure the right settings are in place to support long-term growth,” he said.
Dawson said continued investment in AROSE and the Binar Space Program demonstrated the government’s commitment to building the State’s space capability.
“Continuing to co-invest in both AROSE and the Binar Space Program is a clear display of our government’s commitment to enhancing our local space industry capability,” he said.
He added that the funding aligned with the government’s broader economic diversification strategy.
“The space industry is one of the nine identified sectors under Diversify WA and it is through investments such as this that we are able to continue diversifying and future proofing the WA economy,” Dawson said.
