Moon to Mars grants provide supply chain boost to Australian companies

The Morrison Government is awarding complex electronics manufacturer, Crystalaid $461,118 in funding to improve their technical capabilities so Australia’s growing space sector can play a key role in NASA’s Moon to Mars project.

The second round of Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement grants follows the allocation of more than $1 million in the first round of grants in March.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this grant will be a game-changer for Tingalpa based manufacturer, Crystalaid in developing their work and growing their skills and capabilities in the Australian space industry.

“Crystalaid is doing revolutionary work in the space industry, with this funding contributing towards replacing and modernising their vacuum oven technology. This upgrade will enhance their ability to supply electronics components to the international space industry, such as being used in satellite electronics systems.

“It will help Crystalaid meet new supply chain opportunities, create more jobs and deliver opportunities for skilled workers; all of which are essential for strengthening Australia’s space manufacturing.

“I am very proud to see the ongoing successes of Crystalaid, whose work contributes to better positioning Australian companies to be part of NASA’s plan to return to the moon and prepare for missions to Mars.”

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said the grants were designed to get more local companies involved in international supply chains and create new Australian jobs as part
of the government’s $150 million Moon to Mars initiative.

“This funding complements our $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy which is supporting the space sector as one of the government’s six priority areas.”

Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo congratulated the companies and said they demonstrated the high quality of work being produced in Australia.

“These grants encourage the best in our local companies, helping them develop cutting-edge technologies, create partnerships and link into national and international supply chains,” Mr
Palermo said.

“This strengthens Australian space manufacturing industry and helps build a high tech workforce that can make a significant contribution to the national economy.

“Support from the Moon to Mars initiative and other government programs, combined with the talent and innovation of local space manufacturers, is strengthening Australia’s national space
capability and enhancing Australia’s ability to compete in the international space economy.”

The $150 million Moon to Mars initiative is part of over $700 million being invested by the government into the Australian civil space sector towards the goal of tripling the sector’s size to $12
billion and creating up to an extra 20,000 jobs by 2030.

The Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement program offers grants between $250,000 and $1 million, with applications open until 30 June 2023.

To apply for a grant and for more information, visit https://www.business.gov.au/M2MSupplyChain