University of Queensland and Gilmour Space collaborate on rocket testing
– 4 June
Gilmour Space Technologies has partnered with the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) to collaborate on advanced rocket technology research, and testing, and science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) initiatives.
Gilmour Space has been developing new hybrid-propelled rockets for commercial small satellite launches since 2021.
“Our initial focus for this Research Partnership will be to develop space-grade composite capabilities and to explore new rocket test facilities in Queensland,” said James Gilmour, co-founder of Gilmour Space Technologies.
Professor Peter Schubel, executive director of USQ’s Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Science says, “this research partnership is a perfect match of space-related capabilities between industry and academia to develop advanced automated composite manufacturing, hypersonics, high temperature flow diagnostics, rocket fuel analysis, and satellite tracking”.
“USQ’s unique facilities such as the long duration Hypersonic wind tunnel, solid rocket fuel manufacturing facility, composite cryotank expertise and Mt Kent Observatory place USQ as a leading space research Institute in Australia, aligned to the needs of the fast-paced space industry,” he says.
USQ and Gilmour Space, along with other national and international partners, are also developing STEM related activities to encourage and train the next generation of space scientists and engineers.
“We believe it’s important to provide more pathways for bright young minds to get involved locally in the global space industry without having to leave the country,” Gilmour said. “We want to play our part in building this future-ready industry for Queensland and Australia.”