NEWS & MEDIA RELEASES
February 2025 Media Statement – SCA Weipa Visit Feb 2025
February 2025 Media Statement – Western Cape Futures Symposium
January 2025 Media Statement – Washington Compact
December 2024 SCA Media Statement IAC Membership
October 2024 SCA Media Statement – Executive Appointment Hon. Scott Morrison Non Executive Chairman
October 2024 Press Release Hensoldt SCA Contract ASR NG
October 2024 SCA Media Release SCA and HStar Strategic Agreement
October 2024 SCA Media Statement International Spaceport MoU
April 2024 SCA Media Statement – Virginia USA
March 2024 SCA – Media Statement Karman Line
2025 Events
February 2025 Weipa Community Consultation Session
Space Centre Australia (SCA) will host a community consultation session at the Albatross Bay Resort conference room from 6:30pm on Thursday, 20 February. The session will provide updates on:
• SCA’s proposed launch centre near RAAF Scherger and Billys Lagoon,
• Planned air and marine traffic monitoring radar operations—including the first air traffic radar near Weipa Airport—on behalf of German sensor technology and defence company HENSOLDT,
• Opportunities for long-term economic diversification throughout the Western Cape region.
James Palmer, Chief Executive Officer of SCA, says the consultation aims to engage directly with local stakeholders:
“Our key goals are to gain a better understanding of the challenges the community faces with land tenure and to explore future investment opportunities in critical infrastructure development. We believe this project will be a catalyst for economic growth, while supporting normalisation for the Western Cape region.”
Mr Palmer also emphasized SCA’s plans for a more permanent presence in Weipa by the end of 2025, pending a successful capital-raising exercise currently underway in the United States. He noted that smaller launch operations and radar services could begin in late 2028 or early 2029, with larger launches potentially commencing in the early 2030s.
All community members are encouraged to attend the session to learn more, ask questions, and share feedback on the project. Our CEO will be on-hand to provide detailed information and discuss potential benefits for Weipa and the broader Cape York region.
Event Details
What: Space Centre Australia Community Consultation Session
When: Thursday, 20 February 2025
Time: From 6:30pm
Where: Albatross Bay Resort, Conference Room, Weipa
To register, visit: www.trybooking.com/CYWJX
or scan the QR Code.
Australian Space Summit and Exhibition 2025
We are thrilled to announce our Principal Partnership with Space Connect for the Australian Space Summit and Exhibition!
The 2025 event will be held at the ICC in Sydney on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday, 28 May 2025 and it promises to be a transformative event for space enthusiasts, experts, and organisations.
The summit will feature a diverse range of speakers who will give their perspectives on the sustainable growth of Australia’s space industry in the years to come and strategic growth priorities in advancing the industry forward.
Visit the website via this link AUS SPACE 25 – Home | Space Connect to secure your ticket, check out the speaker line-up, and view the content-packed agenda.
Use our code SPACECENTREAUSTRALIA to save 10% OFF when you secure your ticket.
Don’t forget to stop by and see us on the day! We look forward to seeing you at the event.

2024 Events
Podcast: Space Centre Australia talks its planned spaceport
Space Centre Australia plans to build a spaceport in far north Queensland that it hopes will become like an international airport for launch vehicles.
However, unlike its local rivals, it believes it can one day host larger rockets manufactured by companies such as SpaceX.
In this episode, SCA’s founder and CEO, James Palmer, joins host Adam Thorn to talk about the latest developments as well as the appointment of its new chairman, Scott Morrison.
The pair also discuss the latest industry topics, including the high-profile cancelling of the JP 9102 tender with Lockheed Martin.
Podcast: Space Centre Australia talks its planned spaceport
Podcast: Scott Morrison on Australia’s big opportunity in space
In October, Scott Morrison was surprisingly unveiled as the new chairman of Space Centre Australia, the planned spaceport in far north Queensland.
The move has the potential to hugely disrupt Australia’s launch sector, which already has four spaceports scattered around the country.
Now, a few weeks later, the former prime minister joins Robert Dougherty in our studio in North Sydney.
The pair discuss the new government’s cuts to the space sector, whether the industry will recover, and how Australia can take advantage of its geographical advantages to become a leader in launch.
Podcast: Scott Morrison on Australia's big opportunity in space
PODCAST CONTESTED GROUND: Into the space frontier with former prime minister Scott Morrison
In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, interviewer Defence Connect senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison.
Morrison, non-executive vice chairman of American Global Strategies, has recently announced a new role as chairman of Space Centre Australia, a planned spaceport in far north Queensland. He has also recently concluded a lecture at the Yomiuri International Economic Society in Tokyo in September.
The pair discuss:
- The Australian government’s priorities for space and support of domestic space industry.
- The sudden blooming of interest in space innovation and its increasingly contested environment between international players.
- The AUKUS and QUAD alliances in regard to the Indo-Pacific.
- The upcoming US presidential election on 5 November and forecasts for Australian policy under a Republican or Democratic victory.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Contested Ground team
Contested GroundInto the space frontier with former prime minister Scott Morrison
Global Spaceport Alliance Launch from Down Under
Challenges and Lessons Learned in the Emerging Space Industry in Australia and New Zealand
Experts from Austrade, Equatorial Launch Australia, Southern Launch, Australia Space Agency, Rocket Lab, and others discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of conducting rocket launches in Australia and New Zealand. They explore the technical and logistical hurdles of launching from remote areas, the complexities of regulatory compliance, and the lessons learned from pioneering missions in diverse southern environments. The speakers highlight the countries’ geographic advantages for specific orbital missions and share insights on environmental considerations, infrastructure development, and the collaborative efforts shaping Australia’s and New Zealand’s future in the global space industry.
HENSOLDT secures contract to deliver radar systems for Space Centre Australia
Taufkirchen/Germany, 17 October 2024 – Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT has signed a contract with Space Centre Australia (SCA) to deliver two high-performance Air Surveillance Radar – Next Generation systems (ASR-NG), along with a 20-year sustainment plan to bolster Australia’s critical air surveillance capabilities. The total order volume of the initial phase is worth around 20 million euros (around $30 million AUD). Under the contract terms, HENSOLDT will deliver the two ASR-NG radars by the end of 2026, with sustainment services starting in 2027.
The primary radar of the ASR-NG has special signal processing technology for long-range airspace surveillance and the suppression of false signals from wind turbines. The 3D-capable radar thus enables the safe guidance of all aircraft within a radius of 120 NM and up to altitudes of 50,000 feet. The MSSR 2000 I secondary radar integrated in the ASR-NG ensures automatic identification of aircraft identified by transponder signals. It operates in accordance with the “Mode S” air traffic control standard, which entails a further improvement in interrogations for aircraft identification. The newly acquired radar units will support both high-altitude and low-altitude airspace management, aligning with Space Centre Australia’s mission to lead in space safety and aerospace industry innovation.
International Spaceport Collaboration MoU Signing Ceremony
Milan, Italy 13 October 2024
Today, at the annual FAA/GSA Summit eight commercial spaceports located across five continents signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU will establish a forum to explore potential strategic collaboration in a range of areas of common interest and introduce a dialogue on establishing international spaceport standards. The signatories believe these discussions will strengthen assured access to space and improve affordability. The discussions facilitated by this MOU will also aid in the creation of shared opportunities to introduce technology innovations and foster global cooperation in the rapidly growing commercial space sector.
School Donation Napranum Queensland Kluthuthu Christian College
We believe in investing in our local community, especially in our schools because our children are the architects of our future. Last year, we spearheaded a donation initiative, and we’re thrilled to see it come to fruition!
Thanks to the collaborative effort of Space Centre Australia, Freshwater Christian College, and Carpentaria Contracting, we were able to provide much-needed furniture, learning materials, and playground equipment to Kluthuthu Christian College in Napranum, Queensland. This generous contribution has brought a significant uplift to the school, and we’re immensely grateful for everyone’s support in making this happen.
Here’s a snapshot of the items donated:
– Student Desks
– Worktables
– Learning materials and books
– Teacher and office desks and chairs
– Whiteboards and Corkboards
– Outdoor tables and chairs for recess
– Outdoor swing set
Your individual and collective assistance has made a tangible difference in the lives of these students. Thank you for helping us create a brighter future for our community!
Space Mobility 2024 Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA
Space Centre Australia was honoured to be invited to participate at the Space Mobility 2024 Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA.
Virginia USA Office Opening December 2023 – January 2024
At the end of 2023 and going into 2024 we were excited to be opening Space Centre Australia Ltd in Virginia, USA expanding our international presence and opening business and collaboration opportunities.
Contact us for all media enquiries
Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 3161, Cairns, Queensland, Australia, 4870
Locations (Australia):
- Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- Weipa, Queensland, Australia
Locations (International):
- Washington DC, United States of America
- London, United Kingdom
Hours AEST GMT +10
Mon 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Tue 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Wed 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Thu 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Fri 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Sat Closed
Sun Closed